Final answer:
The ability to multitask is determined by the brain's capability, cognitive load, and skill required. It requires the engagement of sensory, integrating, and motor areas in the brain, and is often more effective for easier tasks with high arousal levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to do multiple tasks at once, often referred to as multitasking, is determined by several factors including the design and capabilities of the human brain. In tasks that require attention, multiple areas of the brain are involved such as visual sensory areas, integrating areas, and motor areas. For example, during a task that requires pressing a button in response to a visual stimulus, these areas need to work in tandem.
The multitasking efficiency is also influenced by the cognitive load of the tasks being performed. Easier tasks can generally be managed with higher levels of arousal while difficult tasks may require lower levels of arousal to ensure optimal performance. The principle of economies of scale suggests that efficiency may increase due to the size and capacity of systems engaged in the tasks. Likewise, specialized neurons in the brain may have the capability to multitask, as in the example of the neuron type AIY in the model organism C. elegans, paving the way for understanding human neurons' multitasking abilities.
Additionally, the degree of skill required for a job can impact the ability of a person to multitask effectively. A job that requires immense skill may be more challenging to perform concurrently with other tasks, as compared to simpler ones that many individuals are qualified to undertake simultaneously.