Task switching refers to the process of shifting attention from one activity to another. This can occur when a person moves from one task, like writing an email, to another, such as answering a phone call. While it may seem efficient, frequent task switching can lead to decreased productivity and increased errors, as the brain takes time to adjust to each new task.
The ability to switch tasks effectively is influenced by factors such as cognitive load and individual differences in attention span. Research in psychology often explores how multitasking affects performance and how people can improve their focus to minimize the negative impacts of task switching.