Rest Is Still Best

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
William S. Helton ◽  
Paul N. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Resource Theory ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Vigilance Decrement ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Cognitive Resource ◽  
The Impact

Objective: We examined the impact task interruptions of differing qualitative and quantitative load have on visuospatial vigilance sensitivity. Background: The vigilance decrement and attempts to develop countermeasures to the decrement is one of the most important human factors issues. There is an ongoing debate between those who interpret the increase in the rate of failures to detect signals over time as being due to objective task monotony or task underload and those who interpret this increased failure proneness as being predominately due to cognitive-resource depletion and task overload. Method: Participants were assigned at random to one of six interruptions: Participants were given a complete rest (rest); participants completed a 1-back verbal working-memory (WM) task, a 3-back verbal WM task, a 1-back spatial WM task, or a 3-back spatial WM task; or participants performed the primary vigilance task (continuous). Results: Postinterruption performance was best for rest and worst for continuous. A resource theory perspective led us to make two possible predictions of relative interruption effect orders of the six conditions out of 720 possible orderings. We found one of the two orders. Conclusion: Overall, the vigilance sensitivity decrement appears to be due to the recurring use of particular cognitive resources, and resource theorists should explore this more extensively in the future. Application: Countermeasures for the vigilance decrement should be based on clear cognitive-resource considerations. Rest is the best countermeasure. Intervening tasks should be chosen that minimize resource-demand overlap with the vigilance task.

scholarly journals Theories of Vigilance and the Prospect of Cognitive Restoration

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 1639-1643
Author(s):  
Jace Flanagan ◽  
Dan Nathan-Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Resource Theory ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Vigilance Decrement ◽  
Cognitive Resource ◽  
Cognitive Resource Theory ◽  
Rest Breaks ◽  
Active Breaks ◽  
Over Time

Effectively mitigating the vigilance decrement (the decrease in performance on tasks requiring sustained attention over time) is one of the most important human factors problems studied today. Despite this, the underlying theory of vigilance and its failings are still disputed. The two primary theories espoused by researchers today are a cognitive resource theory of vigilance and a mindlessness theory of vigilance. This literature review examines the literature investigating points of conflict between these theories, revealing that the majority of experimental research supports a cognitive resource theory of vigilance. Additionally, we examine research investigating the effect of active rest breaks on cognitive and affective restoration. The literature available on cognitive restoration does not support the suggestion that active rest breaks help restore vigilance-relevant cognitive resources more effectively than passive rest breaks. The research does however, support the proposition that more active rest breaks can reduce stress and increase affect. The potential for increasing worker well-being with more active breaks warrants additional research.

scholarly journals Preschoolers' comprehension of pronouns and reflexives: the impact of the task

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 777-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHRISTINA BERGMANN ◽  
MARKUS PAULUS ◽  
PAULA FIKKERT
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Language Comprehension ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Typical Response ◽  
On Line ◽  
Referential Expressions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Evidence

ABSTRACTPronouns seem to be acquired in an asymmetrical way, where children confuse the meaning of pronouns with reflexives up to the age of six, but not vice versa. Children's production of the same referential expressions is appropriate at the age of four. However, response-based tasks, the usual means to investigate child language comprehension, are very demanding given children's limited cognitive resources. Therefore, they might affect performance. To assess the impact of the task, we investigated learners of Dutch (three- and four-year-olds) using both eye-tracking, a non-demanding on-line method, and a typical response-based task. Eye-tracking results show an emerging ability to correctly comprehend pronouns at the age of four. A response-based task fails to indicate this ability across age groups, replicating results of earlier studies. Additionally, biases seem to influence the outcome of the response-based task. These results add new evidence to the ongoing debate of the asymmetrical acquisition of pronouns and reflexives and suggest that there is less of an asymmetry than previously assumed.

scholarly journals Is Semantic Vigilance Impaired by Narrative Memory Demands? Theory and Applications

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-461
Author(s):  
Samantha L. Epling ◽  
Graham K. Edgar ◽  
Paul N. Russell ◽  
William S. Helton
Keyword(s):  
Free Recall ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Resource Theory ◽  
Vigilance Decrement ◽  
Dual Tasking

Objective: Two verbal tasks were utilized in a dual-task paradigm to explore performance theories and prior dual-tasking results. Background: Both the decline in vigilance performance over time, or vigilance decrement, and limited dual-tasking ability may be explained by limited mental resources. Resource theorists would recommend removing task demands to avoid cognitive overload, while mindlessness theorists may recommend adding engaging task demands to prevent boredom. Prior research demonstrated interference between a verbal free recall and semantic vigilance task, but exploring tasks with greater ecological validity is necessary. Method: A narrative memory task and semantic vigilance task were performed individually and simultaneously. Relative performance impairments were compared to a previous dual-task pairing. Results: The semantic vigilance task caused performance degradation to the narrative memory task and vice versa. A vigilance decrement was not observed, and the interference was to a lesser extent than when the semantic vigilance task was paired with a free recall task. Conclusion: Resource theory was supported, though passive learning effects during a semantic vigilance task with novel stimuli may prevent a vigilance decrement. The interference was less than that of a previous similar dual-task pairing, but even tasks as routine as listening to a conversation or story can impair other task performance. Application: A better understanding of resource theory and dual-task performance outcomes can help inform feasible task loads and improve efficiency and safety of operators in high-risk and other professions.

Application of Information Introduced to Dynamic Message Processing and Enjoyment

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 196-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byungho Park ◽  
Rachel L. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Orienting Response ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Coding System ◽  
Message Complexity ◽  
Cognitive Resource ◽  
Cognitive Overload

Abstract. In an effort to quantify message complexity in such a way that predictions regarding the moment-to-moment cognitive and emotional processing of viewers would be made, Lang and her colleagues devised the coding system information introduced (or ii). This coding system quantifies the number of structural features that are known to consume cognitive resources and considers it in combination with the number of camera changes (cc) in the video, which supply additional cognitive resources owing to their elicitation of an orienting response. This study further validates ii using psychophysiological responses that index cognitive resource allocation and recognition memory. We also pose two novel hypotheses regarding the confluence of controlled and automatic processing and the effect of cognitive overload on enjoyment of messages. Thirty television advertisements were selected from a pool of 172 (all 20 s in length) based on their ii/cc ratio and ratings for their arousing content. Heart rate change over time showed significant deceleration (indicative of increased cognitive resource allocation) for messages with greater ii/cc ratios. Further, recognition memory worsened as ii/cc increased. It was also found that message complexity increases both automatic and controlled allocations to processing, and that the most complex messages may have created a state of cognitive overload, which was received as enjoyable by the participants in this television context.

Dissociating the Impact of Auditory Access and Language Access in Deaf Children’s Cognitive Development

2020 ◽  
pp. 98-122
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Implicit Learning ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Language Access ◽  
The Impact

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children have been claimed to lag behind their hearing peers in various domains of cognitive development, especially in implicit learning, executive function, and working memory. Two major accounts of these deficits have been proposed: one based on a lack of auditory access, and one based on a lack of language access. This chapter reviews these theories in relation to the available evidence and concludes that there is little evidence of direct effects of diminished auditory access on cognitive development that could not also be explained by diminished language access. Specifically, reports of deficits in implicit learning are not broadly replicable. Some differences in executive function do stem from deafness itself but are not necessarily deficits. Where clinically relevant deficits in executive function are observed, they are inconsistent with the predictions of accounts based on auditory access, but consistent with accounts based on language access. Deaf–hearing differences on verbal working memory tasks may indicate problems with perception and/or language, rather than with working memory. Deaf–hearing differences on nonverbal tasks are more consistent with accounts based on language access, but much more study is needed in this area. The chapter concludes by considering the implications of these findings for psychological theory and for clinical/educational practice and by identifying high-priority targets for future research.

scholarly journals Mental health professional perspectives on health data sharing: Mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 2067-2082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adela Grando ◽  
Julia Ivanova ◽  
Megan Hiestand ◽  
Hiral Soni ◽  
Anita Murcko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Data Sharing ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Patient Comprehension ◽  
Professional Perspectives ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Perceived Reasons

This study explores behavioral health professionals’ perceptions of granular data. Semi-structured in-person interviews of 20 health professionals were conducted at two different sites. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. While most health professionals agreed that patients should control who accesses their personal medical record (70%), there are certain types of health information that should never be restricted (65%). Emergent themes, including perceived reasons that patients might share or withhold certain types of health information (65%), care coordination (12%), patient comprehension (11%), stigma (5%), trust (3%), sociocultural understanding (3%), and dissatisfaction with consent processes (1%), are explored. The impact of care role (prescriber or non-prescriber) on data-sharing perception is explored as well. This study informs the discussion on developing technology that helps balance provider and patient data-sharing and access needs.

scholarly journals Risk of Increased Acceptance for Organizational Nepotism and Cronyism during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Risks ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Ignatowski ◽  
Łukasz Sułkowski ◽  
Bartłomiej Stopczyński
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Social And Economic Development ◽  
The Times ◽  
The Impact

Nepotism and cronyism are forms of favoritism towards certain people in the workplace. For this reason, they constitute a problem for organization managers, ethicists and psychologists. Identifying the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the increase of nepotism and cronyism may provide a basis for organizations to assess their extent and to take possible measures to prevent their negative effects. At the same time, the research presented in the article may provide a basis for further research work related to nepotism and cronyism at the times of other threats, different from the pandemic. The aim of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on growing acceptance for nepotism and cronyism in Polish enterprises. Qualitative and quantitative methods have been included in the conducted research. Qualitative study aimed at improving knowledge of nepotism and cronyism and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these phenomena, followed by a quantitative study conducted in order to verify the information obtained in the qualitative study. This research has demonstrated that Nepotism and cronyism in the workplace, are phenomenon that are basically evaluated negatively. They adversely influences social and economic development, but the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nepotism and cronyism is not significant.

scholarly journals Mineral Resource Depletion Assessment: Alternatives, Problems, Results

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 862
Author(s):  
Tatiana Ponomarenko ◽  
Marina Nevskaya ◽  
Izabela Jonek-Kowalska
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resource ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Mining Company ◽  
Social Wellbeing ◽  
Renewable Natural Resources ◽  
Tin Deposit ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Local Levels

The depletion of non-renewable natural resources (primarily mineral and energy resources) and its assessment is a problem that is analyzed based on the concept of sustainable development. Mineral resource depletion assessment is particularly important for resource-based economies. It provides for assessing the impact of mineral asset disposal that results from the suspension or termination of operations conducted by a mining company due to insurmountable circumstances. The results of such an event will be manifested at the national, regional, and local levels and felt by mining companies, suppliers, workers, the population of the territory, and other stakeholders. The study clarifies the attributes and essence of mineral resource depletion, analyzes the advantages and limitations of the existing tools for assessing mineral resource depletion, identifies depletion factors, describes a methodology for assessing mineral resource depletion, and contains a case study of a tin deposit. The results of the study contribute to the development of the theory on the depletion of non-renewable natural resources. They provide for assessing losses to social wellbeing that can be caused by stopping the use of profitable mineral reserves.

scholarly journals Applying Harmonised Geothermal Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines to the Rittershoffen Geothermal Heat Plant

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3820
Author(s):  
Mélanie Douziech ◽  
Lorenzo Tosti ◽  
Nicola Ferrara ◽  
Maria Laura Parisi ◽  
Paula Pérez-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Heat Production ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

Heat production from a geothermal energy source is gaining increasing attention due to its potential contribution to the decarbonization of the European energy sector. Obtaining representative results of the environmental performances of geothermal systems and comparing them with other renewables is of utmost importance in order to ensure an effective energy transition as targeted by Europe. This work presents the outputs of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performed on the Rittershoffen geothermal heat plant applying guidelines that were developed within the H2020 GEOENVI project. The production of 1 kWhth from the Rittershoffen heat plant was compared to the heat produced from natural gas in Europe. Geothermal heat production performed better than the average heat production in climate change and resource use, fossil categories. The LCA identified the electricity consumption during the operation and maintenance phase as a hot spot for several impact categories. A prospective scenario analysis was therefore performed to assess the evolution of the environmental performances of the Rittershoffen heat plant associated with the future French electricity mixes. The increase of renewable energy shares in the future French electricity mix caused the impact on specific categories (e.g., land use and mineral and metals resource depletion) to grow over the years. However, an overall reduction of the environmental impacts of the Rittershoffen heat plant was observed.

Examining Methods for Combining Speed and Accuracy in a Go/No-Go Vigilance Task

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1202-1206
Author(s):  
Shane T. Mueller ◽  
Lamia Alam ◽  
Gregory J. Funke ◽  
Anne Linja ◽  
Tauseef Ibne Mamun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Response Time ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Vigilance Decrement ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Linear Ballistic Accumulator ◽  
Linear Ballistic Accumulator Model ◽  
Speed And Accuracy ◽  
Measures Of Performance

In many human performance tasks, researchers assess performance by measuring both accuracy and response time. A number of theoretical and practical approaches have been proposed to obtain a single performance value that combines these measures, with varying degrees of success. In this report, we examine data from a common paradigm used in applied human factors assessment: a go/no-go vigilance task (Smith et al., 2019). We examined whether 12 different measures of performance were sensitive to the vigilance decrement induced by the design, and also examined how the different measures were correlated. Results suggest that most combined measures were slight improvements over accuracy or response time alone, with the most sensitive and representative result coming from the Linear Ballistic Accumulator model. Practical lessons for applying these measures are discussed.

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