Development of a New Measure of Polychronicity

Abstract

Abstract : This paper describes the development of a new measure of polychronicity, an individual differences construct indicating a preference for performing multiple tasks at once as opposed to performing only one task at a time. Although empirical research to date has found mixed results with respect to polychronicity's association with multitasking and other related variables, polychronicity remains conceptually promising as a predictor of multitasking-related variables. Following a brief review of past definitional issues, a revised definition is offered, and a new measure of polychronicity -- the POLY -- is created based on this revised definition. Three studies describe the creation, pilot testing, and psychometric refinement of an initial pool of polychronicity items (Study 1); an initial convergent and discriminant validity analysis (Study 2); and some initial findings with respect to the criterion-related validity of scores on the POLY (Study 3). Together, these findings provide preliminary evidence for the reliability of scores on the POLY and the validity of the POLY in predicting variables relevant to multitasking.

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