The Relations among Executive Functions and Users' Perceptions toward Using Technologies to Multitask

In this research, we examined the influence of information processing abilities (i.e., executive functions) on users’ perceptions about technologies. Borrowing the literature from psychology discipline, we explained how individual’s working memory capacity (WMC), focus, and flexibility skills influence cognitive absorption, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness in the context of technologies multitasking. We also integrated a micro-level measure (n-Back task to measure WMC) and macro-level measures (self-report questionnaire) in this present study. The results revealed that individual’s information processing mechanism influences the degree of his or her cognitive absorption when he or she engages in more than one task or technology simultaneously or sequentially. An individual is likely to experience high degree of cognitive absorption if he or she is able to balance the focus and flexibility. Furthermore, we found that WMC is positively associated with perceived ease of use. Together, perceived ease of use and cognitive absorption influence perceived usefulness.