The Effects of Practice on Navigation Performance and Mental Workload with a Mirror-In-The-Sky Map

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 1546-1550
Author(s):  
Holland M. Vasquez ◽  
Justin G. Hollands ◽  
Greg A. Jamieson
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Practice Performance ◽  
Global Ratings ◽  
Detection Response ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Response Task ◽  
Completion Times

Some previous research using a new augmented reality map display called Mirror-in-the-Sky (MitS) showed that performance was worse and mental workload (MWL) greater with MitS relative to a track-up map for navigation and wayfinding tasks. The purpose of the current study was to determine—for both MitS and track-up map—how much performance improves and MWL decreases with practice in a simple navigation task. We conducted a three-session experiment in which twenty participants completed a route following task in a virtual environment. Task completion times and collisions decreased, subjective MWL decreased, and secondary task performance improved with practice. The NASA-TLX Global ratings and Detection Response Task Hit Rates showed a larger decrease in MWL with MitS than the track-up map. Additionally, means for performance and workload measures showed that differences between the MitS and track-up map decreased in the first session. In later sessions the differences between the MitS and track-up map were negligible. As such, with practice performance and MWL may be comparable to a traditional track-up map.

scholarly journals Haptic Addition to a Visual Menu Selection Interface Controlled by an In-Vehicle Rotary Device

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Grane ◽  
Peter Bengtsson
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Visual Display ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Haptic Information ◽  
Menu Selection ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Vehicle Information ◽  
Rotary Device

Today, several vehicles are equipped with a visual display combined with a haptic rotary device for handling in-vehicle information system tasks while driving. This experimental study investigates whether a haptic addition to a visual interface interferes with or supports secondary task performance and whether haptic information could be used without taking eyes off road. Four interfaces were compared during simulated driving: visual only, partly corresponding visual-haptic, fully corresponding visual-haptic, and haptic only. Secondary task performance and subjective mental workload were measured. Additionally, the participants were interviewed. It was found that some haptic support improved performance. However, when more haptic information was used, the results diverged in terms of task completion time and interface comprehension. Some participants did not sense all haptics provided, some did not comprehend the correspondence between the haptic and visual interfaces, and some did. Interestingly, the participants managed to complete the tasks when using haptic-only information.

On the Cost of Detection Response Task Performance on Cognitive Load

2020 ◽  
pp. 001872082093162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco N. Biondi ◽  
Balakumar Balasingam ◽  
Prathamesh Ayare
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Pupil Diameter ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Detection Response ◽  
Response Task ◽  
The Cost

Objective This study investigates the cost of detection response task performance on cognitive load. Background Measuring system operator’s cognitive load is a foremost challenge in human factors and ergonomics. The detection response task is a standardized measure of cognitive load. It is hypothesized that, given its simple reaction time structure, it has no cost on cognitive load. We set out to test this hypothesis by utilizing pupil diameter as an alternative metric of cognitive load. Method Twenty-eight volunteers completed one of four experimental tasks with increasing levels of cognitive demand (control, 0-back, 1-back, and 2-back) with or without concurrent DRT performance. Pupil diameter was selected as nonintrusive metric of cognitive load. Self-reported workload was also recorded. Results A significant main effect of DRT presence was found for pupil diameter and self-reported workload. Larger pupil diameter was found when the n-back task was performed concurrently with the DRT, compared to no-DRT conditions. Consistent results were found for mental workload ratings and n-back performance. Conclusion Results indicate that DRT performance produced an added cost on cognitive load. The magnitude of the change in pupil diameter was comparable to that observed when transitioning from a condition of low task load to one where the 2-back was performed. The significant increase in cognitive load accompanying DRT performance was also reflected in higher self-reported workload. Application DRT is a valuable tool to measure operator’s cognitive load. However, these results advise caution when discounting it as cost-free metric with no added burden on operator’s cognitive resources.

Evaluation of Rate-Based, Force-Reflecting Teleoperation in Free Motion and Contact

2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Williams ◽  
Jason M. Henry ◽  
Daniel W. Repperger
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Air Force ◽  
Free Motion ◽  
Effectiveness Evaluation ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Teleoperation System ◽  
Force Reflection ◽  
Teleoperation Systems ◽  
Contact Tasks ◽  
Completion Times

This research focuses on improved control for force-reflecting teleoperation systems in free motion and contact tasks. Specifically, the Naturally Transitioning Rate-to-Force Controller (NTRFC) is implemented in an Air Force experimental force-reflecting teleoperation system to achieve a unified controller with no mode switches from free motion to contact, and to reduce the wrench exerted on the environment by the slave manipulator during remote teleoperation tasks. In an effectiveness evaluation experiment, the experimental hypothesis is validated: the NTRFC with force reflection performs the best amongst four teleoperation control modes with respect to minimal wrench exertion on the environment. A negligible difference was found in total task-completion times amongst the four modes. The NTRFC with force reflection has the potential to improve task performance in remote, hazardous, teleoperation tasks in which minimal exerted wrench is desirable.

Comparison of Five Mental Workload Assessment Procedures in a Moving-Base Driving Simulator

1979 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Hicks ◽  
Walter W. Wierwille
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Cardiac Arrhythmia ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Lateral Deviation ◽  
Subjective Opinion ◽  
Driving Task

Five methods of measuring mental workload (secondary task performance, visual occlusion, cardiac arrhythmia, subjective opinion rating scales, and primary task performance) were compared for sensitivity to changes in operator loading. Each was used to differentiate among low, medium, and high levels of workload defined in terms of the application point of crosswind gusts in a driving task. The driving task was produced using an automobile driving simulator with a six-degree of freedom computer generated display, a four-degree of freedom physical motion system, and a four-channel sound system. Techniques of mental workload measurement that have shown promise in previous studies were used as a between-subjects factor, and subjects were presented with a within-subject factor of wind gust placement. Gusts at the front of the vehicle represented high workload levels, and gusts toward the center of the vehicle represented progressively lower levels of workload. The results showed significant differences among workload levels for subjective opinion scales and primary performance measures of lateral deviation, yaw deviation, and steering reversals. A relative sensitivity estimate of these would be, from highest to lowest sensitivity, steering reversals and yaw deviation, rating scales, and lateral deviation. The techniques of occlusion, cardiac arrhythmia, and secondary task performance yielded no significant workload effect.

The Residual Costs of Multitasking

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 1967-1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonna Turrill ◽  
James R. Coleman ◽  
Rachel J. Hopman ◽  
Joel M. Cooper ◽  
David L. Strayer
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Driving Performance ◽  
Dual Tasks ◽  
Dual Tasking ◽  
Operation Span ◽  
Detection Response ◽  
Instrumented Vehicle ◽  
Response Task ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Post Hoc

Objective: The cognitive workload of three Smartphone Digital Assistants (SDA) was manipulated in an on-off manner while participants drove an instrumented vehicle in order to measure the costs associated with intermittent dual tasking. Background: Previous research has shown costs in productivity when switching between two discrete tasks; however, similar costs have not yet been examined using intermittent, continuous dual tasks. Methods: Participating drivers completed 5 conditions: baseline driving, 3 SDA conditions, and a cognitively demanding math-memory operation span (OSPAN) task, each while responding to Detection Response Task (DRT) stimuli. Within the SDA conditions, on- and off-task DRT performance was compared to baseline driving and to the OSPAN task performance. Results: The on-task periods of the SDA conditions resulted in similar RTs as the OSPAN condition, while the off-task periods did not immediately return to baseline driving performance. Post hoc analyses of the on-off transitions within the SDA conditions revealed a gradual return to baseline driving performance over the course of 18 seconds. Conclusions: The delays in returning to baseline driving performance after completing a secondary task raise concerns about the usage of in-vehicle devices while driving as the effects of the delays last beyond the cessation of the SDA interaction.

scholarly journals The Effects of Warning Message Highlighting on Novel Assembly Task Performance

1982 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morris A. Zlotnik
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Assembly Task ◽  
Warning Messages ◽  
Warning Message ◽  
And Control ◽  
Completion Times

A review of examples and specifications relating to critical operating procedures revealed considerable variation in recommended standards for highlighting warning messages. An experiment was therefore conducted to examine the effectiveness of various methods of highlighting warning messages contained in the instructions for a novel assembly task. Findings indicated that the presence of warning messages shortened task completion times and reduced error rates between the experimental and control groups.

scholarly journals Optimizing assessors’ mental workload in rater-based assessment: a critical narrative review

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 339-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget Paravattil ◽  
Kyle John Wilby
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Demands ◽  
Education Needs ◽  
Assessment Outcomes

Abstract Introduction Rater-based assessment has resulted in high cognitive demands for assessors within the education of health professionals. Rating quality may be influenced by the mental workload required of assessors to complete rating tasks. The objective of this review was to explore interventions or strategies aimed at measuring and reducing mental workload for improvement in assessment outcomes in health professions education. Methods A critical narrative review was conducted for English-language articles using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from conception until November 2018. To be included, articles were eligible if they reported results of interventions aimed at measuring or reducing mental workload in rater-based assessment. Results A total of six articles were included in the review. All studies were conducted in simulation settings (OSCEs or videotaped interactions). Of the four studies that measured mental workload, none found any reduction in mental workload as demonstrated by objective secondary task performance after interventions of assessor training or reductions in competency dimension assessment. Reductions in competency dimensions, however, did result in improvements in assessment quality across three studies. Discussion The concept of mental workload in assessment in medical education needs further exploration, including investigation into valid measures of assessors’ mental workload. It appears that adjusting raters’ focus may be a valid strategy to improve assessment outcomes. Future research should be designed to inform how to best reduce load in assessments to improve quality, while balancing the type and quantity of data needed for judgments.

scholarly journals Overloaded and at Work: Investigating the Effect of Cognitive Workload on Assembly Task Performance

2020 ◽  
pp. 001872082092992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco N. Biondi ◽  
Angela Cacanindin ◽  
Caitlyn Douglas ◽  
Joel Cort
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Cognitive Workload ◽  
Assembly Task ◽  
Cognitive Overload ◽  
Completion Times ◽  
Back Task

Objective This study investigates the effect of cognitive overload on assembly task performance and muscle activity. Background Understanding an operator’s cognitive workload is an important component in assessing human–machine interaction. However, little evidence is available on the effect that cognitive overload has on task performance and muscle activity when completing manufacturing tasks. Method Twenty-two volunteers completed an assembly task while performing a secondary cognitive task with increasing levels of demand ( n-back). Performance in the assembly task (completion times, accuracy), muscle activity recorded as integrated electromyography (EMG), and self-reported workload were measured. Results Results show that the increasing cognitive demand imposed by the n-back task resulted in impaired assembly task performance, overall greater muscle activity, and higher self-reported workload. Relative to the control condition, performing the 2-back task resulted in longer assembly task completion times (+10 s on average) and greater integrated EMG for flexor carpi ulnaris, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and pectoralis major. Conclusion This study demonstrates that working under high cognitive load not only results in greater muscle activity, but also affects assembly task completion times, which may have a direct effect on manufacturing cycle times. Application Results are applicable to the assessment of the effects of high cognitive workload in manufacturing.

scholarly journals Breakfast high in whey protein or carbohydrates improves coping with workload in healthy subjects

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 1712-1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Sihvola ◽  
Riitta Korpela ◽  
Andreas Henelius ◽  
Anu Holm ◽  
Minna Huotilainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Whey Protein ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Plasma Tryptophan ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Dietary components may affect brain function and influence behaviour by inducing the synthesis of neurotransmitters. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of consumption of a whey protein-containing breakfast drink v. a carbohydrate drink v. control on subjective and physiological responses to mental workload in simulated work. In a randomised cross-over design, ten healthy subjects (seven women, median age 26 years, median BMI 23 kg/m2) participated in a single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The subjects performed demanding work-like tasks after having a breakfast drink high in protein (HP) or high in carbohydrate (HC) or a control drink on separate sessions. Subjective states were assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), the Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS) and the modified Profile of Mood States. Heart rate was recorded during task performance. The ratio of plasma tryptophan (Trp) to the sum of the other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) and salivary cortisol were also analysed. The plasma Trp:LNAA ratio was 30 % higher after the test drinks HP (median 0·13 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)) and HC (median 0·13 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)) than after the control drink (median 0·10 (μmol/l)/(μmol/l)). The increase in heart rate was smaller after the HP (median 2·7 beats/min) and HC (median 1·9 beats/min) drinks when compared with the control drink (median 7·2 beats/min) during task performance. Subjective sleepiness was reduced more after the HC drink (median KSS − 1·5) than after the control drink (median KSS − 0·5). There were no significant differences between the breakfast types in the NASA-TLX index, cortisol levels or task performance. We conclude that a breakfast drink high in whey protein or carbohydrates may improve coping with mental tasks in healthy subjects.

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