Attention: Multitasking Versus Continuous Partial Attention

http://lifehacker.com/343882/multitasking-versus-continuous-partial-attention

Continuous partial attention and multi-tasking are two different
attention strategies, motivated by different impulses. When we
multi-task, we are motivated by a desire to be more productive and more
efficient... In the case of continuous partial attention, we're
motivated by a desire not to miss anything. There's a kind of vigilance
that is not characteristic of multi-tasking. With cpa, we feel most
alive when we're connected, plugged in and in the know. We constantly
SCAN for opportunities—activities or people—in any given moment. With
every opportunity we ask, "What can I gain here?"