Cited by 127Neural and Behavioral Psychology StudiesNeurobiology of Language and BilingualismCognitive Functions and Memory

Common and distinct neural correlates of dual-tasking and task-switching: a meta-analytic review and a neuro-cognitive processing model of human multitasking

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Worringer, Britta, Langner, Robert, Koch, Iring, Eickhoff, Simon B., Eickhoff, Claudia R., Binkofski, Ferdinand C.·2019·Brain Structure and Function

Abstract

Although there are well-known limitations of the human cognitive system in performing two tasks simultaneously (dual-tasking) or alternatingly (task-switching), the question for a common vs. distinct neural basis of these multitasking limitations is still open. We performed two Activation Likelihood Estimation meta-analyses of neuroimaging studies on dual-tasking or task-switching and tested for commonalities and differences in the brain regions associated with either domain. We found a common core network related to multitasking comprising bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS), left dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC), and right anterior insula. Meta-analytic contrasts revealed eight fronto-parietal clusters more consistently activated in dual-tasking (bilateral frontal operculum, dPMC, and anterior IPS, left inferior frontal sulcus and left inferior frontal gyrus) and, conversely, four clusters (left inferior frontal junction, posterior IPS, and precuneus as well as frontomedial cortex) more consistently activated in task-switching. Together with sub-analyses of preparation effects in task-switching, our results argue against purely passive structural processing limitations in multitasking. Based on these findings and drawing on current theorizing, we present a neuro-cognitive processing model of multitasking.

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Authors
Worringer, B., Langner, R., Koch, I., Eickhoff, S. B., Eickhoff, C. R., & Binkofski, F. C.
Affiliations
  • Forschungszentrum Jülich (DE)
  • RWTH Aachen University (DE)
Corresponding author
Langner, Robert
Venue
Brain Structure and Function
Published
2019-04-29
Volume
224
Issue
5
Pages
1845-1869
ISSN
  • 1863-2653 (ISSN-L)
  • 1863-2661
OpenAlex
W2942766273
Cited by
126
References
212
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 10
FWCI
6.10
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Brain Structure and Function (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • Helmholtz Portfolio Theme “Supercomputing and Modeling for the Human Brain”
  • European Union Seventh Framework Programme
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
dual-tasking, task switching, multitasking, neural correlates, intraparietal sulcus, dorsal premotor cortex, anterior insula, frontoparietal network, inferior frontal gyrus, precuneus, task preparation, cognitive control
MeSH terms
Multitasking Behavior, Brain, Brain Mapping, Cognition, Humans, Parietal Lobe, Neuroimaging

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