What percentage of people can successfully multitask without performance decline?

The most accurate choice reflects the research findings on multitasking and its impact on performance. Studies have shown that only a small percentage of individuals can effectively multitask without experiencing a decline in performance. This number is typically cited as around 2.5%, indicating that true multitasking is a rare ability.

This small percentage represents those who can handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high levels of accuracy and efficiency, which is very often not the case for the majority of people. The limitation of cognitive resources plays a significant role here; when individuals attempt to juggle multiple tasks, their attention is divided, which can lead to errors or reduced quality in output.

Recognizing this helps in understanding the implications of multitasking in the workplace, particularly in administrative roles where focus and precision are crucial for effective performance. The other percentages may suggest an overly optimistic view of the capabilities of multitasking, which are not supported by the majority of empirical evidence on cognitive function and task performance.