The Effects Of Anxiety And Seductive Details On Cognitive Load And Learning

Author(s):  
Ecem Olcum ◽  
Valerie K. Sims

This research seeks to understand the interaction between anxiety, seductive details, cognitive load, and learning. Research investigating the seductive details effect in learning and anxiety with relation to cognitive load has not reached a consistent conclusion. Additionally, to our knowledge, no previous study has looked at the relationship between anxiety and seductive details. Ninety five college students read a passage about lightning formation either with negative seductive details, neutral seductive details, or no seductive details. Learning performance was measured with transfer and retention tests, and cognitive load was measured by using NASA Task Load Index. The results indicated helpful effects of negative but not neutral seductive details on problem-solving test for individuals with higher fear from storms. Results showed no meaningful relationships between the seductive details effect, cognitive load, and learning performance. Anxiety producing information, in small amounts, can benefit higher order cognitive processing.

2020 ◽  
pp. 155335062093493
Author(s):  
Lauren R. Kennedy-Metz ◽  
Hill L. Wolfe ◽  
Roger D. Dias ◽  
Steven J. Yule ◽  
Marco A. Zenati

Background. The most commonly used subjective assessment of perceived cognitive load, the NASA Task Load Index (TLX), has proven valuable in measuring individual load among general populations. The surgery task load index (SURG-TLX) was developed and validated to measure cognitive load specifically among individuals within a surgical team. Notably, the TLX lacks temporal sensitivity in its typical retrospective administration. Objective. This study sought to expand the utility of SURG-TLX by investigating individual measures of cognitive load over time during cardiac surgery, and the relationship between individual and team measures of cognitive load and proxies for surgical complexity. Materials & Methods. SURG-TLX was administered retrospectively in the operating room immediately following each case to approximate cognitive load before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery team members (surgeon, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist). Correlations were calculated to determine the relationship of individual and team measures of cognitive load over the entire procedure with bypass length and surgery length. Results. Results suggest that perceived cognitive load varies throughout the procedure such that cognitive load during bypass significantly differs compared to before or after bypass, across all 3 roles. While on bypass, results show that anesthesiologists experience significantly lower levels of perceived cognitive load than both surgeons and perfusionists. Correlational analyses reveal that perceived cognitive load of both the surgeon and the team had significant positive associations with bypass length and surgery length. Conclusion. Our findings support the utility of SURG-TLX in real cardiac cases as a measure of cognitive load over time, and on an individual and team-wide basis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Ramtin Zargari Marandi ◽  
Camilla Ann Fjelsted ◽  
Iris Hrustanovic ◽  
Rikke Dan Olesen ◽  
Parisa Gazerani

The affective dimension of pain contributes to pain perception. Cognitive load may influence pain-related feelings. Eye tracking has proven useful for detecting cognitive load effects objectively by using relevant eye movement characteristics. In this study, we investigated whether eye movement characteristics differ in response to pain-related feelings in the presence of low and high cognitive loads. A set of validated, control, and pain-related sounds were applied to provoke pain-related feelings. Twelve healthy young participants (six females) performed a cognitive task at two load levels, once with the control and once with pain-related sounds in a randomized order. During the tasks, eye movements and task performance were recorded. Afterwards, the participants were asked to fill out questionnaires on their pain perception in response to the applied cognitive loads. Our findings indicate that an increased cognitive load was associated with a decreased saccade peak velocity, saccade frequency, and fixation frequency, as well as an increased fixation duration and pupil dilation range. Among the oculometrics, pain-related feelings were reflected only in the pupillary responses to a low cognitive load. The performance and perceived cognitive load decreased and increased, respectively, with the task load level and were not influenced by the pain-related sounds. Pain-related feelings were lower when performing the task compared with when no task was being performed in an independent group of participants. This might be due to the cognitive engagement during the task. This study demonstrated that cognitive processing could moderate the feelings associated with pain perception.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 904-904
Author(s):  
Lopez-Hernandez D ◽  
Litvin P ◽  
Rugh-Fraser R ◽  
Cervantes R ◽  
Martinez F ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective We evaluated perceived workload (measured by the NASA Task Load Index; NASA-TLX) as related to Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) performances in monolingual and bilingual traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and healthy comparison participants (HC). Method The sample consisted of 28 TBI survivors (12 monolinguals & 16 bilinguals) and 50 HC (20 monolinguals & 30 bilinguals). SDMT written (SDMT-W) and SDMT oral (SDMT-O) were used to evaluate group differences. Results ANCOVA, controlling for age, revealed that the HC group outperformed the TBI group on SDMT-W, p = .001, and SDMT-O, p = .047. Furthermore, bilinguals outperformed monolinguals on SDMT-W, p = .017. On the NASA-TLX, an interaction emerged on temporal demand rating, p = .023, with TBI bilinguals reporting higher temporal demand on SDMT tasks compared to TBI monolinguals, while the HC monolingual participants reported higher temporal demands ratings compared to HC bilingual participants. Furthermore, monolingual participants showed higher levels of frustration with regard to the SDMT task compared to bilingual participants, p = .029. Conclusion Our data revealed TBI survivors underperformed on both SDMT trials compared to the HC participants. Also, bilingual participants demonstrated better SDMT-W performances compared to monolingual participants. Furthermore, our TBI bilingual sample reported themselves to be more rushed to complete the SDMT compared to monolingual TBI sample, but they were less frustrated. Meanwhile, our HC monolingual sample felt more rushed to complete the SDMT tasks compared to HC bilingual participants, but they were less frustrated. While we observed differences in workload ratings between language groups, it is unclear if language use, and/or other variables are driving these results.


2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 791-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Karavite ◽  
Matthew Miller ◽  
Mark Ramos ◽  
Susan Rettig ◽  
Rachael Ross ◽  
...  

Background Surveillance for surgical site infections (SSIs) after ambulatory surgery in children requires a detailed manual chart review to assess criteria defined by the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN). Electronic health records (EHRs) impose an inefficient search process where infection preventionists must manually review every postsurgical encounter (< 30 days). Using text mining and business intelligence software, we developed an information foraging application, the SSI Workbench, to visually present which postsurgical encounters included SSI-related terms and synonyms, antibiotic, and culture orders. Objective This article compares the Workbench and EHR on four dimensions: (1) effectiveness, (2) efficiency, (3) workload, and (4) usability. Methods Comparative usability test of Workbench and EHR. Objective test metrics are time per case, encounters reviewed per case, time per encounter, and retrieval of information meeting NHSN definitions. Subjective measures are cognitive load using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index (NASA TLX), and a questionnaire on system usability and utility. Results Eight infection preventionists participated in the test. There was no difference in effectiveness as subjects retrieved information from all cases, using both systems, to meet the NHSN criteria. There was no difference in efficiency in time per case between the Workbench and EHR (8.58 vs. 7.39 minutes, p = 0.36). However, with the Workbench subjects opened fewer encounters per case (3.0 vs. 7.5, p = 0.002), spent more time per encounter (2.23 vs. 0.92 minutes, p = 0.002), rated the Workbench lower in cognitive load (NASA TLX, 24 vs. 33, p = 0.02), and significantly higher in measures of usability. Conclusion Compared with the EHR, the Workbench was more usable, short, and reduced cognitive load. In overall efficiency, the Workbench did not save time, but demonstrated a shift from between-encounter foraging to within-encounter foraging and was rated as significantly more efficient. Our results suggest that infection surveillance can be better supported by systems applying information foraging theory.


Author(s):  
Nurul Ihsaniah Omar ◽  
Abu Bakar Ibrahim

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of computer simulation with the electronic circuit on students’ motivation, achievement, and cognitive load. The assessment is done through the post-test, Instructional Materials Motivational Scale (IMMS) questions and the NASA Task Load Index cognitive load test. This study discusses the development of LiveWire simulation also the laboratory worksheet for the LiveWire software that will be developed for the subject Design & Technology for Form Three students at the secondary school level. The evaluation of the LiveWire software and the laboratory worksheet that will be developed involves the evaluation of the usability and users’ satisfaction. The method of delivery using LiveWire is a systematic step in the exploration into the use of simulation for electronic circuits. LiveWire is also suitable and is capable of increasing the development of meaningful knowledge among students. This is because of the strategy of use of the laboratory worksheet in helping the students to explore into and master a simulation application, especially for novice learners.


Author(s):  
Madeline Lemke ◽  
Alison Banwell ◽  
Natalie Rubinger ◽  
Michelle Wiepjes ◽  
Mark Ropeleski ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Optimal colonoscopy training curricula should minimize stress and cognitive load. This study aimed to determine whether withdrawal or insertion colonoscopy skills training is associated with less stress or cognitive load for trainees or trainers. Methods In Phase I, participants were randomized to train on either insertion or withdrawal in a simulated environment. In Phase II, participants were randomized to begin with either insertion or withdrawal in patient encounters. Salivary cortisol levels, heart rate, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) surveys were used to assess stress in trainees and trainers. NASA Task Load Index (TLX) survey was used to assess cognitive workload in trainees. Results In Phase I, trainee stress increased during the simulation training during both withdrawal and insertion compared to baseline, while trainer stress changed minimally. Cognitive load was higher for trainees during withdrawal (P = 0.005). In Phase II, trainers’ STAI scores were greater during insertion training (P = 0.013). Trainees’ stress was highest prior to beginning patient training and decreased during training, while trainer’s stress increased during training. Trainees reported insertion training being of greater value (70.0%), while trainers reported withdrawal was preferred (77.8%). Conclusion Trainees and trainers exhibit important differences in stress during colonoscopy skills training. Trainees reported more stress during simulation training and greatest cognitive load during simulation withdrawal, whereas trainers reported greatest stress during patient encounters, particularly training of insertion techniques. Attention to the effect of stress on trainees and trainers and the drivers of stress is warranted and could be incorporated in competency based medical education.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2331
Author(s):  
Masanori Yoshida ◽  
Etsuro Shimizu ◽  
Masashi Sugomori ◽  
Ayako Umeda

Shipping is an indispensable tool for the sustainable global supply chain, and seafarers play a key role in safe navigation. Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) have been expected to reduce marine accidents by human error of the seafarers. On the other hand, MASS may have adverse effects on operators’ mental workload (MWL) and increase safety risks in some cases. This research aims to provide a scheme for identifying the relationship between MWL and MASS in the maritime that can be utilised for rulemaking and technological development. The provided scheme identifies the factors that affect the MWL of operators and sub-elements of MWL through gap analysis. Five factors related to MASS operation were defined, in addition to general factors. The case study was carried out by utilising the scheme on typical cases focusing on the normal navigational situation. The NASA task load index method was used to measure MWL. Ten deck officers with various ranks, including the third officer and captain, participated in the case study. The results suggested that various causes such as conflicted situations, machine–human interfaces, mechanical-style movements of the ship, reliability of MASS, and visibility constraints affect the MWL of operators. It also confirmed the verification of the identification scheme.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S812-S812
Author(s):  
Claire Growney ◽  
Erica L O’Brien ◽  
Jesse DeLaRosa ◽  
Thomas M Hess

Abstract Aging is associated with normative declines in cognitive resources that increase the costs associated with mobilizing resources in cognitively demanding activities. Selective Engagement Theory (Hess, 2014) hypothesizes that changes in costs influence the motivation to engage in such activities in everyday life. We used an economic discounting task to examine the relationship between both objective estimates (systolic blood pressure responses) and subjective estimates (NASA Task Load Index) of cognitive costs in 78 older adults’ (ages 64-85) decisions to engage in more or less demanding activities. Perceptions of costs were meaningfully tied to actual costs (SBP), but further influenced by personal or primed attitudes about aging. Interestingly, decisions to engage in demanding activities—as reflected in discounting decisions—were less influenced by effort expenditure in the activity than by perceptions of difficulty. These results underscore the role that negative stereotypes play in undermining motivation to engage in potentially beneficial activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Koharuddin Mohd Balwi ◽  
Dan Wei Yee ◽  
Kassim Thukiman ◽  
Ana Haziqah

  Prolonged occupational stress can lead to the syndrome of job burnout. Workload was one of the factors that can cause the burnout. The main objective of this study was to determine the levels of job burnout and their relationships with workload among the medical staff. The key roles of medical staff in a hospital can be broadly separated into four areas which were the doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff. Eighty medical staff from hospital volunteered to participate in this research. Different data were gathered using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), NASA-Task Load Index and Demographic questionnaire. The significance of the study was to investigate the relationship between the job burnout and workload among the medical staff in hospitals. The overall level of workload and job burnout was moderate. The results indicated that workload and job burnout among medical staff in hospitals was at moderate level. There was a significant relationship between workload and job burnout in this research.


Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 381-386
Author(s):  
Mojgan Zoaktafi ◽  
Reza Kazemi ◽  
Alireza Choobineh ◽  
AliAkbar SaboorYaraghi ◽  
Samane Nematolahi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Mental workload (MW) assessment is a key point in research and development of human-machine interfaces in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between mental workload and the amount of salivary cortisol amongst technicians of an Iranian combined cycle power plant. METHODS: A total of 18 technicians participated in this pilot study. First, task analysis was carried out to determine operation steps that forced us to separate them in to two groups. Next, the Visual, Auditory, Cognitive, and Psychomotor (VACP) technique and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire were used to examine their mental workload. Then, the operator’s salivary samples were collected at four specific times of both off and working days. Finally, the relationship between mental workload and salivary cortisol was examined with the analysis of Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The results of mental workload assessment with subjective methods showed a high level of mental workload amongst all technicians. No significant association was observed between the NASA-TLX questionnaire and VACP technique with concentration of salivary cortisol (p = 0.081). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it can be concluded that salivary cortisol might not be an appropriate physiological method to assess mental workload, since cortisol levels are highly dependent on individuals’ circadian rhythm.


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