Divided Attention

Divided attention occurs when mental focus is on multiple tasks or ideas at once. Also known as multitasking, individuals do this all the time. Examples are singing along to a song while driving, having a conversation while walking, or listening to music while grocery shopping. Divided attention does decrease the amount of attention being placed on any one task or idea if there are multiple focuses going on at once. For example, if you answer a friend's question while you are reading a book your concentration on the book wanes as you focus on responding to your friend.