Spatial and temporal task characteristics as stress: A test of the dynamic adaptability theory of stress, workload, and performance

    Authors

    J. L. Szalma;G. W. L. Teo

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Acta Psychol.

    Keywords

    Stress; Workload; Performance; Stress theory; Task demand; VISUAL-SEARCH TASKS; SUSTAINED ATTENTION; VIGILANCE; SIGNAL; MODEL; MINDLESSNESS; Psychology, Experimental

    Abstract

    The goal for this study was to test assertions of the dynamic adaptability theory of stress, which proposes two fundamental task dimensions, information rate (temporal properties of a task) and information structure (spatial properties of a task). The theory predicts adaptive stability across stress magnitudes, with progressive and precipitous changes in adaptive response manifesting first as increases in perceived workload and stress and then as performance failure. Information structure was manipulated by varying the number of displays to be monitored (1, 2, 4 or 8 displays). Information rate was manipulated by varying stimulus presentation rate (8, 12, 16, or 20 events/min). A signal detection task was used in which critical signals were pairs of digits that differed by 0 or 1. Performance accuracy declined and workload and stress increased as a function of increased task demand, with a precipitous decline in accuracy at the highest demand levels. However, the form of performance change as well as the pattern of relationships between speed and accuracy and between performance and workload/stress indicates that some aspects of the theory need revision. Implications of the results for the theory and for future research are discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Acta Psychologica

    Volume

    139

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    471

    Last Page

    485

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000302508700011

    ISSN

    0001-6918

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