Task-Specific Sex Differences in Vigilance Performance: Subjective Workload and Boredom

1997 ◽  
Vol 85 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1195-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence J. Prinzel ◽  
Frederick G. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Subjective Workload ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Participants (24 men, 24 women) were asked to perform either a spatial or temporal vigilance task. Task-related Boredom and NASA-Task Load Index scores were collected. The results replicate Dittmar, Warm, Dember, and Ricks' 1993 finding of task-specific sex differences in vigilance performance and subjective workload. The present study also showed task-specific sex differences for boredom ratings. These results suggest that two explanations may account for the sex differences. More accurate perceptual discriminations may account for some of the differences in performance; however, sex differences in perceived boredom may more likely be responsible for the task-specific sex differences in vigilance performance and subjective workload.

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.

scholarly journals An Adaptable Prosthetic Wrist Reduces Subjective Workload

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel R. Olsen ◽  
Jacob A. George ◽  
Mark R. Brinton ◽  
Michael D. Paskett ◽  
David T. Kluger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Prosthetic Hands ◽  
Subjective Workload ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
The Impact

AbstractMany presently available prostheses lack a functional wrist. To fill this niche and to better understand the impact a wrist has in prosthetic functionality, we designed a low-cost, adaptable, 3D-printable prosthetic wrist that can be adapted to various prosthetic hands and sockets. The wrist utilizes inexpensive but powerful servo motors to provide simultaneous and proportional control of two degrees of freedom: pronation/supination and flexion/extension or radial/ulnar deviation. Participants used both our wrist and a commercially available wrist (DEKA “LUKE” Arm) to complete a modified version of the clothespin relocation task with and without the wrists enabled. Through use of the NASA Task Load Index we found that both wrists significantly reduced the subjective workload associated with clothespin relocation task (p < 0.05). However, we found no significant difference in task completion speed, presumably due to compensation strategies. This inexpensive and adaptable prosthetic wrist can be used by amputees to reduce task workload, or by researchers to further explore the importance of wrist function.

Sex Differences in Lexical Vigilance Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 731-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis R. Neigel ◽  
Daryn A. Dever ◽  
Victoria L. Claypoole ◽  
Nicholas W. Fraulini ◽  
Gabriella M. Hancock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Signal Detection ◽  
Response Bias ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Vigilance Performance ◽  
Lexical Semantic ◽  
Standard Task

Lexical vigilance is the ability to sustain attention to lexical, semantic, and language-related stimuli, such as words or symbols, for extended periods of time. One gap in the empirical investigation of lexical vigilance is the assessment of sex differences in the performance of these tasks. In the present study, a sample of 213 observers completed a 12-minute lexical vigilance task. Observers were randomly assigned to either a standard task, which required individuals to respond to critical signals and withhold response to neutral events, or a lure task, which required individuals to respond to critical signals while withholding response to neutral events and lures (i.e., stimuli that are categorically similar in nature to critical signals). The results indicated that women and men perform the lure and standard tasks differently depending upon the condition to which they are assigned. Specifically, an inverse relationship was observed between the sexes and conditions in signal detection indices of sensitivity and response bias. We discuss the implications of these results below.

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 P090 The Effect of Workload, Sleep Deprivation and Time of Day on Simulated Driving Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A50-A50
Author(s):  
I Marando ◽  
R Matthews ◽  
L Grosser ◽  
C Yates ◽  
S Banks
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Time On Task ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Subjective Workload ◽  
Driving Task ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Abstract Sustained operations expose individuals to long work periods, which deteriorates their ability to sustain attention. Biological factors, including sleep deprivation and time of day, have been shown to play a critical role in the ability to sustain attention. However, a gap in the literature exists regarding external factors, such as workload. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of sleep deprivation, time of day, and workload on sustained attention. Twenty-one participants (18–34y, 10 F) were exposed to 62 hours of sleep deprivation within a controlled laboratory environment. Every 8 hours, sustained attention was measured using a 30-minute monotonous driving task, and subjective workload was measured using the NASA-Task Load Index (TLX). Workload, defined as time on task was assessed by splitting the drive into two 15-minute loops. A mixed model ANOVA revealed significant main effects of day (sleep deprivation) and time of day on lane deviation, number of crashes, speed deviation and time outside the safe zone (all p&lt;.001). There was a significant main effect of workload (time on task) on lane deviation (p=.042), indicating that a longer time on task resulted in greater lane deviation. NASA-TLX scores significantly increased with sleep deprivation (p&lt;.001), indicating that subjective workload increased with sleep loss even though the task remained constant. Workload, sleep deprivation and time of day produced a deterioration in sustained attention. With this, countermeasures that not only consider sleep deprivation and time of day, but also workload (time on task) can be considered.

Interactive Effects of Physical and Mental Workload on Subjective Workload Assessment

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (13) ◽  
pp. 1100-1104
Author(s):  
Angela Astin ◽  
Maury A. Nussbaum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Workload ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Assessment Scores ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Subjective Workload ◽  
Mental Demands ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Relatively little research has investigated subjective workload assessment during tasks involving both physical and mental demands. Development of more comprehensive workload assessment tools depends on understanding the effects of physical and mental activity on an individual's perception of workload. This study investigated the interaction between the two types of demands and the potential effects of such interactions on subjective workload assessment and performance. Common subjective workload assessment tools (Borg CR-10 Scale, Visual Analog Scale, NASA Task Load Index) were used to record changes in perceived workload during varying levels of physical and mental demands. Thirteen participants completed all conditions with the results summarized to identify potential trends in the data. The results suggest that a physical demand component did not affect subjective mental workload assessment (p = 0.9916). in addition, the presence of mental demands did not affect physical workload assessment (p = 0.9183). High correlations were found between the subjective mental workload assessment scores and mental performance (r = −0.8 and–0.9).

scholarly journals Desktop lighting for comfortable use of a computer screen

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (s1) ◽  
pp. S209-S221
Author(s):  
Lu Han ◽  
Hechen Zhang ◽  
Zhongxia Xiang ◽  
Jinze Shang ◽  
Shabila Anjani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Motion Tracking ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Computer User ◽  
Eye Tracker ◽  
Computer Screen ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Trunk Movements ◽  
Motion Tracking System ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

BACKGROUND: The contrast between a bright computer screen and a dark ambient environment may influence comfort of the users, especially on their eyes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to identify the optimal desktop lighting for the comfortable use of the computer screen in a dark environment. METHODS: An experiment was designed where seven illumination setups were introduced for the users to perform their leisure tasks on a computer screen. Fifteen healthy subjects participated in the experiments. During each session, durations of the eye blinks, fixations and saccades of the user were recorded by an eye tracker. His/her neck and trunk movements were recorded by a motion tracking system as well. The comfort/discomfort questionnaire, localized postural discomfort questionnaire, NASA task load index and computer user questionnaire were used to record the overall comfort/discomfort, the local perceived physical discomfort, the cognitive workload, and general/eye health problems, respectively. RESULTS: Subjective and objective measurement results indicated that users felt more comfortable with high intensity warm lights using a computer screen. We also identified that the eye fixation durations, as well as the scores of two questions in the computer user questionnaire, have significant negative correlations with comfort. On the other side, the durations of blinks and the scores of three questions in the computer user questionnaire, were significantly correlated with discomfort. CONCLUSION: The warm (3000K) and high intensity (1500 lux) light reduced the visual and cognitive fatigue of the user and therefore improve the comfort of the user during the use of a computer screen.

Neural Correspondence to Human Cognition from Analysis to Intuition – Implications of Display Design for Cognition

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph K. Nuamah ◽  
Younho Seong
Keyword(s):  
Objective Measure ◽  
Mental Effort ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Display Design ◽  
Percent Correct ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta ◽  
General Difference ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index

Psychophysiological measures can be used to determine whether a particular display produces a general difference in brain function. Such information might be valuable in efforts to improve usability in display design. In this preliminary study, we aimed to use the electroencephalography (EEG) task load index (TLI), given by the ratio of mean frontal midline theta energy to mean parietal alpha energy, to provide insight into the mental effort required by participants performing intuition-inducing and analysis-inducing tasks. We employed behavioral measures (reaction time and percent correct), and a subjective measure (NASA-Task Load Index) to validate the objective measure (TLI). The results we obtained were consistent with our hypothesis that mental effort required for analysis-inducing tasks would be different from that required for intuition-inducing tasks. Although our sample size was small, we were able to obtain a significant positive correlation between NASA-Task Load Index and TLI.

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’).

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