Effects of Aircraft Noise on Vigilance Performance and Perceived Workload

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (18) ◽  
pp. 1513-1517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ami B. Becker ◽  
Joel S. Warm ◽  
William N. Dember ◽  
JoAnn Sparnall ◽  
Laura DeRonde
Keyword(s):  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Aircraft Noise ◽  
Maximum Intensity ◽  
Perceptual Sensitivity ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Knowledge Of Results ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Signal Detectability ◽  
The Right

This study examined the effects of exposure to intermittent jet aircraft noise played through stereophonic speakers (70dBA or 95dBA maximum intensity) on performance efficiency and perceived workload in a 40-min visual vigilance task. The noise featured a Doppler-like quality in which planes seemed to approach from the monitor's left and recede to the right. Performance in noise, measured in terms of perceptual sensitivity (d***'), was significantly poorer than in a quiet condition. Moreover, in comparison to subjects performing in quiet, those who operated in noise were less able to profit from knowledge of results (KR) regarding performance efficiency. In addition to its negative effects upon signal detectability, noise significantly elevated perceived workload, as indexed by the NASA-TLX. This effect was robust; it was not mitigated by KR, even though KR served generally to reduce the overall level of perceived workload in the study. The consistency of the effects of noise in regard to both performance efficiency and perceived workload challenges a recent conclusion offered by Koelega and Brinkman (1986) that lawful relations are not observable in studies of the effects of noise on vigilant behavior.

scholarly journals Exploring Sex Differences in Vigilance Performance with Knowledge of Results

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 1321-1325
Author(s):  
Grace E. Waldfogle ◽  
Michaela R. Hagerty-Koller ◽  
Lindsey R. Lane ◽  
Allison E. Garibaldi ◽  
James L. Szalma
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Task Structure ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Knowledge Of Results ◽  
Sex Influence

Vigilance, also referred to as sustained attention, is the ability to maintain attention for extended periods of time while monitoring for, oftentimes, critical signals. In attempt to aid performance decrements in vigilance tasks, previous research has examined the effects of knowledge of results (KR). In essence, KR provides feedback on performance, and is argued to enhance the understanding of task structure and motivation to complete the task successfully. However, relatively little is known about how individual differences, such as observer sex, influence KR effects in vigilance. In the present study, 73 observers completed a 25-minute vigilance task in which they were required to monitor flight paths. Observers were randomly assigned to either a KR condition, in which feedback was given for correct detections, false alarms, and misses, or a control condition, where no feedback was provided. The results indicated that small sex differences were found for correct detections and false alarms, as a function of KR.

Effects of Visual and Auditory Knowledge of Results and Reward on Vigilance Performance

1974 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 831-836
Author(s):  
Marvin E. Grunzke ◽  
Roger E. Kirk ◽  
Steven C. Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Monetary Reward ◽  
Treatment Combination ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Knowledge Of Results ◽  
Contingent Reward ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Visual Knowledge ◽  
And Performance

The effects of several procedures for providing knowledge of results (KR) and monetary reward on performance of a visual vigilance task were investigated. 72 Ss monitored a simulated CRT for 3 hr. The independent variables were visual KR versus no visual KR, auditory KR versus no auditory KR, and performance-contingent monetary reward versus noncontingent monetary reward. Probability of detection was significantly higher for the knowledge of results conditions and for performance-contingent reward than for the respective control conditions. The most effective treatment combination was visual knowledge of results combined with performance-contingent reward.

Measuring Sustained Attention and Perceived Workload

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-90
Author(s):  
Cynthia Laurie-Rose ◽  
Lori M. Curtindale ◽  
Meredith Frey
Keyword(s):  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Spatial Uncertainty ◽  
Perceptual Sensitivity ◽  
Lowercase Letter ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Performance Differences ◽  
Latency Variability ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Objective: We examined the effects of spatial uncertainty, field dependence/independence (FD/I), and sex on vigilance performance and perceived workload in elementary school children. Background: Building on previous work in which children demonstrated their ability to evaluate workload, we tested whether spatial-uncertainty manipulations in a vigilance task would elicit in children the same deleterious effects on performance and workload as it does with adults. We also examined individual difference effects associated with FD/I and sex to determine their influence on both performance and workload. Method: In the low-uncertainty task, stimuli appeared in the center of the computer screen; in the high-uncertainty task, they appeared in one of the four quadrants of the screen. Neutral events consisted of uppercase letter strings. Critical signals consisted of a single lowercase letter among uppercase letters. Following each vigil, children completed a workload assessment via a modified version of the NASA Task Load Index. Results: Children showed lower perceptual sensitivity, greater response latency variability (RTSD), and a higher response criterion in the uncertain display condition. Workload scores reflected these performance differences. Field-dependent children showed lower perceptual sensitivity and greater RTSD than did field-independent children. The two groups exhibited differing workload profiles. Despite no objective performance differences, boys reported greater workload than girls. Conclusion: The scale demonstrated sensitivity and diagnosticity with regard to both the task variable and individual differences. Application: These findings contribute to the emerging field of “educational ergonomics” and indicate that appropriate assessment tools might identify children who are experiencing increased workload.

scholarly journals Opposite effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on sustained attention in individuals with high and low levels of dispositional mindfulness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Molina ◽  
Irune Fernandez-Prieto ◽  
Pilar Andres ◽  
Fabrice B. R. Parmentier
Keyword(s):  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Attentional Functioning ◽  
Sham Condition ◽  
Prefrontal Region ◽  
The Right

Objective: Some studies suggest a link between mindfulness and attentional functioning. Using transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), we tested the hypothesis that mindfulness might improve vigilance through enhanced prefrontal functioning. Methods: We compared the performance of individuals with low versus high dispositional mindfulness (LDM vs HDM) under anodal tDCS of the right prefrontal region and in a sham condition. Results: The stimulation improved vigilance performance in the LDM group and reduced it in the HDM group. No difference was found between the groups in the sham condition. Conclusions: The results fit with the view that lower mindfulness is associated with lower attentional functioning, such that individuals with low mindfulness benefit from the anodal stimulation of the right prefrontal region in a vigilance task. We tentatively suggest that individuals with high dispositional mindfulness might have directed more attention to the physical discomfort produced by the stimulation (e.g., itching), thereby reducing the attention directed to the task (and, consequently, performance in this task). In sum, our results suggest a positive link between dispositional mindfulness, prefrontal functioning and vigilance performance.

Effects of training with knowledge of results on diagnosticity in vigilance performance

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel S. Warm ◽  
Victor Finomore ◽  
Tyler H. Shaw ◽  
Matthew E. Funke ◽  
Michelle J. Hausen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Knowledge Of Results

The role of the Big Five personality factors in vigilance performance and workload

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Laurie Rose ◽  
Laura Bennett Murphy ◽  
Lynn Byard ◽  
Katherina Nikzad
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Times ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
False Alarms ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Perceptual Sensitivity ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Big Five Personality Factors ◽  
Task Parameters

Using the five‐factor personality model, the present study explored the influence of personality factors on sustained attention and perceived workload. Ninety‐six college‐aged participants were administered a 12 minute vigilance fast event rate task. Following the vigil, participants were asked to first, rate their perceived workload of the task using the NASA‐TLX, and then second, complete the NEO‐PI‐R personality inventory. Traditional measures of hits, false alarms, and reaction times were examined as well as the signal detection indices of perceptual sensitivity and response bias. Extraversion correlated with false alarms (r = 0.181; eta2 = 0.055) and conscientiousness correlated with both false alarms (r = −0.275, eta2 = 0.097) and perceptual sensitivity (r = 0.227, eta2 = 0.052). With regard to perceived workload, neuroticism was related to perceived frustration (r = 0.238, eta2 = 0.057). The findings are discussed in terms of theoretical implications, impact of task parameters, and practical applications. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Exploring the Effects of Extraversion on Social Facilitation and Vigilance Task Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 1216-1220
Author(s):  
Victoria L. Claypoole ◽  
Grace E. Waldfogle ◽  
Alexis R. Neigel ◽  
James L. Szalma
Keyword(s):  
Task Performance ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Social Facilitation ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Task Design ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Mere Presence ◽  
Design Factors ◽  
And Task

Vigilance, or sustained attention, is the ability to maintain attention for extended periods of time. Recently, research on vigilance has focused on identifying individual differences and task design factors that may improve cognitive-based vigilance performance. One such factor is social facilitation, which leads to improved task performance when at least one individual is present. But, relatively little is known about the personality factors, such as extraversion or introversion, which may influence the effects of social presence, and in turn affect vigilance performance. Given this gap in the literature, the present research seeks to determine how personality, specifically extraversion, is related to vigilance performance in the presence of another individual. A total of 39 observers completed a 24-minute vigilance task either alone, in the mere presence of another person, or in the evaluative presence of another person (i.e., an individual monitoring their performance). The results indicated that extraversion was negatively correlated to the proportion of correct detections and sensitivity ( A’).

Predicting Cognitive Vigilance Performance from Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Task Engagement

2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (14) ◽  
pp. 850-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Reinerman ◽  
Gerald Matthews ◽  
Joel S. Warm ◽  
Lisa K. Langheim
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Blood Flow Velocity ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Task Engagement ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Screening Battery

Responses to a brief six-min screening battery involving high-workload tracking, verbal working memory, and line discrimination tasks were used to predict subsequent performance on a 36-min cognitive vigilance task. Two predictors of interest were subjective state, as indexed by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ), and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), measured via transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. The results testify to the importance of assessing task-induced responses for predicting cognitive vigilance performance. They also indicate that forecasting vigilance performance is a complex endeavor requiring a set of multidimensional predictors. Specifically, higher post-battery task engagement scores on the DSSQ in this study and higher levels of CBFV during performance of the screening battery predicted more correct detections on the subsequent vigilance task. These findings are interpreted in the light of the resource-workload model of vigilance, and their practical significance is discussed.

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