Text 1: Neuroscientist Dr. Amy Park's research suggests that multitasking is a myth. "Brain imaging shows we don't actually perform tasks simultaneously—we rapidly switch between them," Park explains. "Each switch costs cognitive resources, reducing overall efficiency by up to 40%."
Text 2: Productivity researcher David Cheng has found that certain task combinations can be performed simultaneously. "Walking while talking, or listening to music while exercising, are genuine examples of multitasking," Cheng notes. "The brain handles automatic tasks differently from those requiring focused attention."
Based on the texts, both Park and Cheng would most likely agree with which of the following statements?
All forms of multitasking reduce cognitive efficiency
The brain processes different types of tasks in different ways
Task switching is impossible for the human brain
Automatic tasks require the same cognitive resources as complex tasks
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Park discusses how the brain "switches between" complex tasks, while Cheng distinguishes between "automatic tasks" and those "requiring focused attention"—both acknowledging different processing mechanisms.
- Evidence: Park notes switching costs for complex tasks; Cheng notes automatic tasks work differently.
- Reasoning: Both implicitly agree the brain handles different tasks differently.
- Conclusion: This is their common ground despite disagreeing on multitasking's possibility.
Choice A is incorrect because Cheng believes some multitasking works fine. Choice C is incorrect because both acknowledge some form of parallel or rapid processing. Choice D is incorrect because Cheng explicitly says automatic tasks work "differently."