Brain imaging shows that the brain works more efficiently when focused on one task versus task-switching

A research study showed that brain areas responsible for integrating event information (ie. piecing together a narrative that takes place over time) functioned more smoothly when the subject was able to focus on one task, rather than constantly switching tasks.

The study was performed by comparing fMRI results between patients who were shown 6.5 minute excerpts from 3 films consecutively against those that were shown interleaved 50 second fragments.

Summary here. Full research here.

Originally published at yourdailyscience.com on April 26, 2017.