Smartphones and Scatterbrains: Technology Use and Attention Span
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Family and Consumer Studies
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Patrick Cushen
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Technology use is becoming more prevalent, especially the use of smartphones. This study examines the relationship between smartphone use and attention span. Participants completed computerized attention/memory tasks as well as surveys that measured smartphone addiction, smartphone use, self-reported adult ADHD symptoms, and state anxiety. Additionally, some students were asked to leave their cell phones with the researcher during the session while others were allowed to keep their cellphones in their own possession. All cellphones were turned completely off regardless of condition. Analysis of the data is in process and will be completed by the time of presentation. Results are expected to show that self-reported smartphone use will be positively related to self-reported ADHD symptoms and negatively related to performance on the computerized tasks. It is also hypothesized that the smartphone access conditions will demonstrate different scores on the computerized tasks. This research is important because investigating the relationship between regular smartphone use and attention will help to better understand the impact that technology use may have on a cognitive ability that is involved in almost all aspects of our lives.
Spring Scholars Week 2019 Event
Brummer Colloquium Series
Smartphones and Scatterbrains: Technology Use and Attention Span
Technology use is becoming more prevalent, especially the use of smartphones. This study examines the relationship between smartphone use and attention span. Participants completed computerized attention/memory tasks as well as surveys that measured smartphone addiction, smartphone use, self-reported adult ADHD symptoms, and state anxiety. Additionally, some students were asked to leave their cell phones with the researcher during the session while others were allowed to keep their cellphones in their own possession. All cellphones were turned completely off regardless of condition. Analysis of the data is in process and will be completed by the time of presentation. Results are expected to show that self-reported smartphone use will be positively related to self-reported ADHD symptoms and negatively related to performance on the computerized tasks. It is also hypothesized that the smartphone access conditions will demonstrate different scores on the computerized tasks. This research is important because investigating the relationship between regular smartphone use and attention will help to better understand the impact that technology use may have on a cognitive ability that is involved in almost all aspects of our lives.