Recruiting study
Effects of Fatigue on Multitasking Behavior and Performance Using Wearable Sensing
A study of how multitasking and task length affect mental effort, performance, and physiological responses during Tetris gameplay.
Status
Recruiting
Eligibility
Adults 18+ who can use a keyboard or controller, view a screen, and wear a wrist sensor; additional screening criteria apply.
Time commitment
One approximately 90-minute visit
Contact
How does multitasking affect your mind and body?
Wright State University researchers are studying how multitasking and task length affect mental effort, performance, and the body’s physiological responses during structured gameplay.
What will I do?
You will attend one study visit lasting approximately 90 minutes. During the visit, you will:
- put on a small, noninvasive wrist-worn research sensor and complete a short memory warm-up task;
- play several timed rounds of Tetris (about 6, 10, and 20 minutes), some of which include brief math questions to answer while you keep playing; and
- rate how mentally demanding and how tiring each round felt.
The wrist sensor may be an Empatica EmbracePlus, a Garmin smartwatch, or a Shimmer3 wristband. Depending on the device, it may record body signals such as pulse or heart rate, heart-rate variability, skin conductance, skin temperature, blood-oxygen estimates, or movement. These are research tools that are worn on the surface of the skin — nothing involves needles or breaks the skin — and they do not provide a medical diagnosis.
Who may take part?
You may be eligible if you:
- are age 18 or older;
- can use a standard keyboard or controller and view a screen; and
- can wear a wrist device for one session.
You cannot take part if you have a history of seizures triggered by flashing lights (photosensitive epilepsy), because Tetris involves moving, flashing visual patterns.
When and where is the visit?
The visit takes place at Wright State University (213 Biosci I) and is scheduled by appointment at a time that works for you.
Is there payment?
No. Participation is voluntary, and there is no direct benefit to you.
Learn more or sign up
Visit timfauley.com/mts to watch a short overview video and reach the study team.
Questions about your rights as a research volunteer:
- Wright State University IRB — (937) 775-5171 — irb-rsp@wright.edu
IRB Study No.: IRB-2026-1147 (Wright State University IRB) Funded by the Dayton Area Graduate Studies Institute (DAGSI).