Previous studies have found that using multiple monitors increases productivity, but there are also documented drawbacks to increased monitor count and/or size. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increases in productivity hold true with newer technology, like wide flat-screens, in the multitasking context. Sixty participants were asked to complete several tasks commonly completed in an office environment. These tasks were performed on four different monitor configurations: a single and dual 17" monitor(s) and single and dual 22" monitor(s). Participants located information from several documents and compiled this information into a new document. Dependent variables measured included efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction. Results indicated a performance benefit for dual monitor usage, regardless of monitor size. Participants most preferred using dual 22" monitors and least preferred a single 17" monitor.
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