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

    Authors

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

    Comments

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    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

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