Mobile Multitasking: Development of the Electronic Whispering Scale

Authors:

Keri Stephens (University of Texas, Austin)

Jennifer Davis (University of Texas, Austin)

Sarah Rayburn (University of Texas, Austin)

 

Abstract:

This study relies on the theoretical concepts of social multitasking (Baron, 2008) to develop a scale to measure the communicative functions of mobile multitasking. Study 1 creates scale items from previous qualitative work and Study 2 collects data from a new, larger sample, relies on confirmatory analyses and conducts reliability and validity assessments of this new electronic whispering scale. Electronic whispering consists of information, influencing others, encouraging others, participating in parallel meetings, and being available.