Practice helps the brain separate tasks and improve multitasking ability
It is commonly perceived that multitasking is highly inefficient, with the brain often "crashing" or scrambling when trying to do two things at once. A recent study by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has uncovered the mechanism behind this, revealing how the brain dynamically reorganizes itself to break through this cognitive bottleneck and achieve efficient, simultaneous multitasking.
The brain's ability to multitask, commonly thought to be inefficient, is actually capable of significant improvement through practice, according to a study conducted by researchers at City University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The study, published in the journal Neuron, reveals how the brain dynamically reorganizes itself to overcome cognitive bottlenecks associated with multitasking.
Initially, the brain experiences interference as different neural populations compete when attempting to perform two tasks simultaneously. However, with consistent training, the secondary motor cortex (M2) actively recruits specialized neurons and segregates task representations. This process, likened to building "new, dedicated highways for each task," significantly reduces interference and enhances overall multitasking performance.
Comparing the brain to a bustling city experiencing traffic congestion when attempting to handle multiple tasks, Professor Yung Wing-ho explained that the brain's ability to construct these specialized neural pathways allows for smoother and more efficient operation. This "neural road construction" is key to mastering complex multitasking, transforming chaotic brain activity into coordinated efficiency.
The study also utilized recurrent neural network models, which successfully replicated these underlying mechanisms. These models demonstrated how such dynamic processes can accelerate the learning of dual tasks and have potential implications for artificial intelligence. By understanding these brain processes, researchers can develop new strategies to enhance cognitive function and address cognitive bottlenecks in various fields, from education to rehabilitation for neurological conditions.
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