SENSORY ALTERNATION AND PERFORMANCE IN A VIGILANCE TASK
Abstract
The effects of four experimental conditions on performance in a vigilance task were studied using eight subjects in a repeated measurements design. The four conditions were: visual detection alone; auditory detection alone; combined (redundant) visual and auditory detection; and alternating, in 30-minute periods, auditory and visual detection. Subjects were required to detect .1-second, a periodic interruptions in either or both a visually displayed horizontal line or a 1000 cps tone. The intensities of both signals were adjusted to near-threshold levels against constant noise backgrounds. Data were collected on the number of signals detected, the number of false responses, and response times during the two-hour testing session. It was found that: (1) sensory alternation was an effective means of maintaining alertness; (2) redundant, dual sense monitoring resulted in significantly fewer false responses; (3) there were no differences between the four conditions with respect to median response times; and (4) response times did increase with the length of the watch over the four conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0417444
Entities
People
- Alin Gruber