Technology Mediated Interruptions: The Effects of Task and Interruption Characteristics on Decision-Making

Interruptions are uncontrollable attention breakers that create stress in the work environment. Past literature has shown that interruptions impair performance. This study examines two common interruption characteristics; frequency and complexity, and investigates their effect on decision-making performance by employing cognitive fit theory (Vessey, 1991), distraction conflict theory (Baron, 1986), and research on cognitive capacity. We propose that complex interruptions will impair performance less than frequent interruptions for simple tasks. On the other and, we hypothesize that complex interruptions will deteriorate performance more than frequent interruptions when the task is complex. This research has implications on the design and appropriation of information systems to reduce potential negative effects.