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Don’t Disturb Me! Understanding the Impact of Interruptions on Knowledge Work: an Exploratory Neuroimaging Study

Author

Listed:
  • Pankush Kalgotra

    (Clark University)

  • Ramesh Sharda

    (Oklahoma State University)

  • Roger McHaney

    (Kansas State University)

Abstract

As we become more and more connected, the number of technology interruptions are increasing as well. The mechanisms by which a technology interruption takes attention away and ongoing task performance decreases need more investigation. Through neuroimaging, this paper explores how technologies can interrupt concentration, focus and attention of knowledge workers. Subjects were given reading tasks and subjected to a series of randomly timed audio interruptions. Using an electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement device, we recorded their brain waves. Consistent with the literature, we found interruptions significantly increased task completion time and decreased task performance. Neuroimaging analysis showed activity in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe and insular cortex of the participants due to interruptions. The paper also investigates differences due to gender and age. The results suggest application developers should consider underlying mechanisms of processing interruptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Pankush Kalgotra & Ramesh Sharda & Roger McHaney, 2019. "Don’t Disturb Me! Understanding the Impact of Interruptions on Knowledge Work: an Exploratory Neuroimaging Study," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 21(5), pages 1019-1030, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:21:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s10796-017-9812-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-017-9812-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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