Cal Newport, computer scientist and author, blames open-office layouts and relentless collaboration for a decline in concentrated deep thinking. He cites research suggesting that even short interruptions significantly increase the total time needed to complete a task. Other studies show that multitasking not only drags out work but reduces its quality. One researcher believes that jumping from one task to another reduces efficiency because of “attention residue.” As the mind turns to a new task, it is still thinking about the old task. Are you easily distracted? What techniques help you concentrate?