Interruption Science: Perception, Coping, and Neurophysiological Measurement of Interruptions

Interruption science is an interdisciplinary field that studies how interruptions affect cognitive processes, emotional responses, and task performance. Pervasive in personal and professional contexts, interruptions can impair attention, decision-making, and productivity. Despite notable advances, the field remains fragmented. This dissertation addresses this issue by combining conceptual, empirical, and neurophysiological perspectives to advance our understanding of interruptions.

The dissertation is organized into three interrelated parts. The first part develops a conceptual basis that enables the systematic classification and differentiation of interruption characteristics, culminating in a taxonomy that delineates five overarching dimensions of interruptions. This taxonomy serves as a foundation for the study of interruptions and their characteristics. The second part applies qualitative research methods, specifically content analysis of interviews, to empirically examine how individuals perceive and cope with interruptions in their work environment.

The results offer actionable findings from which theoretical findings and practical recommendations can be derived. The third part explores the potential of neurophysiological measurements for examining interruptions and their effects. It presents methods such as the measurement of autonomic nervous system activity, brain imaging methods, and hormone measurements. These methods provide objective insights into the cognitive and emotional consequences of interruptions. The results of this dissertation contribute to both theory and practice. The developed taxonomy of interruptions offers a structured approach for categorizing and analyzing the perception of interruptions, while the empirical research reveals practical strategies for coping with interruptions. The neurophysiological findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying interruptions and provide a deeper understanding of their effects. Taken together, these contributions advance both theoretical understanding and practical applicability, promoting interruption science as an interdisciplinary field.

Overall, this dissertation provides a comprehensive overview of research on interruptions. By combining conceptual models, empirical findings, and neurophysiological measurements, the results bridge theory and practice. The aim is to advance the growth and relevance of interruption science in both academic and practical contexts.