Title

Effects of sensory modality and task duration on performance, workload, and stress in sustained attention

Authors

Authors

J. L. Szalma; J. S. Warm; G. Matthews; W. N. Dember; E. M. Weiler; A. Meier;F. T. Eggemeier

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Hum. Factors

Keywords

VIGILANCE TASK; FEEDBACK; NOISE; Behavioral Sciences; Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology, ; Applied; Psychology

Abstract

The workload and stress associated with a 40-min vigilance task were examined under conditions wherein observers monitored an auditory or a visual display for changes in signal duration. Global workload scores fell in the midrange of the NASA Task Load Index, with scores on the Frustration subscale increasing linearly over time. These effects were unrelated to the sensory modality of signals. However, sensory modality was a significant moderator variable for stress. Observers became more stressed over time as indexed by responses to the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire, with evidence of recovery in the auditory but not the visual condition toward the end of the watch. This result and the finding that signal detection accuracy - although equated for difficulty under alerted conditions - favored the auditory mode, indicate that display modality and time on task should be considered carefully in the design of operations requiring sustained attention in order to enhance performance and reduce stress. Actual or potential applications of this research include domains in which monitoring is a crucial part, such as baggage screening, security operations, medical monitoring, and power plant operations.

Journal Title

Human Factors

Volume

46

Issue/Number

2

Publication Date

1-1-2004

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

219

Last Page

233

WOS Identifier

WOS:000223159700004

ISSN

0018-7208

Share

COinS