Math, music, language

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Why can I do certain things together and some are impossible?


Examples:

I can do math with the tv on, with music on, probably at a very loud party

I can answer math questions (even difficult ones) while driving, as long as the answer can be expressed simply.

I can listen to music without lyrics or make music without words while driving or doing various other tasks.



I cannot have any noise whatsoever when I am reading.

I cannot make a decision while driving or moving, really. I cannot have a conversation while driving - even a scripted one.

I cannot iron or fold clothes and watch tv. It's one or the other.







Why is this?



What can you do simultaneously, what can you not do?

I can't do any form of multitasking; at best, I can drink coffee while driving.

I only have what I learned from year 12 psychology, so I have no idea how correct this is, but:

There are automatic processes and controlled processes. Automatic processes are those that you have practiced, and as a result require significantly lower focus of attention, allowing for multitasking. Controlled processes are those which are difficult as you are not accustomed to them. An example is driving. When you first start driving, it is incredibly difficult and unwise to multitask as you experience an influx of new information, but after you have driven for a few years it will become much more an automatic process whereby you may be able to have a conversation, listen to the radio and drive at the same time. Of course when performing complex tasks such as approaching a corner at high speed, you may still need to focus your attention as you would if you had not gained experience as a driver.

_________________
Unapologetically, Norny.
-chronically drunk

I'm pretty bad at multitasking in general.

I can't do two media at once (e.g., reading and watching TV)

I can talk while driving--but not when I have to concentrate on my driving.

I have trouble tallking on the phone and typing something at the same time.

I sometimes don't know that I have something in either one side or another. There's sometimes a disconnection between my left and right sides.

I have difficulties in what is termed "proprioception."

I sometimes can't find something that's right in front of me.

I try to multitask but it always leads to a chain of events that lead me away from what I was originally going to do. Like, I will draw for 10 minutes, fold some laundry. Then in the midst of doing laundry I will get distracted by something else and end up not drawing/painting altogether.

I used to be able to listen to music and read at the same time, but now it bothers me to do so. I feel like I don't get the full effect if I am reading and listening to music. Unless it's instrumental.