Investigating the nomological network of multitasking ability in a field sample

This study explores the correlates of multitasking ability, as measured by a commercially developed test that has been used for high stakes personnel selection contexts with more traditional predictors (i.e., personality and cognitive ability) in an organizational sample. Multitasking ability exhibited differential relationships with the cognitive and non-cognitive variables. That is, multitasking ability was found to be strongly positively related to cognitive ability, and negatively related to conscientiousness. Based on a multiple regression and relative weights analysis, cognitive ability proved to be the only significant unique predictor of multitasking ability. Results and implications for the use of multitasking ability assessments in a selection context are discussed.