How did Strayer and Johnston's research impact the understanding of attention?

Strayer and Johnston's research significantly advanced the understanding of attention by demonstrating that distractions have a negative impact on both attention and response time. Their studies highlighted the challenges faced when individuals attempt to multitask, particularly when driving while using a mobile device. The findings illustrated that engaging in multitasking, especially with activities that require cognitive processing, can lead to slower reaction times and increased errors. This research emphasizes the limitations of human attention and the detrimental effects that distractions can have on performance in tasks that require focus and quick decision-making. By providing empirical evidence that supports the idea that distractions can hinder attentional resources, their work has important implications for activities that require sustained attention, such as driving and operating machinery.