EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON HUMAN PERFORMANCE. EFFECTS OF SCOPOLAMINE ON REPRESENTATIVE HUMAN PERFORMANCE TESTS

Abstract

The technical report describes one of a series of studies on the effects of drugs on human performance. The study investigated the effects of Scopolamine (12 gamma/kg.) on the ability of volunteer subjects to perform a variety of tests which represented a wide range of human ability in the areas of Sensory-Perceptual, Psychomotor, Physical Proficiency, and Cognitive performance. The tests included measures of visual acuity, time estimation, reaction time, manual dexterity, balance, grip strength, addition and short term memory. The results showed the following: (1) Scopolamine generally caused a decrement in performance in all tests. (2) In general, performance was poorest from two to four hours after drug administration. (3) Among the abilities studied, Near Visual Acuity was most severely affected, while Grip Strength, Reaction Time and Time Estimation were only slightly affected. It was concluded that the results were encouraging for the continued development of a Basic Abilities Test Battery.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1965
Accession Number
AD0489623

Entities

People

  • Edwin A. Fleishman
  • Edwin H. Elkin
  • Harold P. Van Cott
  • Roy O. Freedle

Organizations

  • American Institutes for Research

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Army
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Contracts
  • Errors
  • Human Performance Tests
  • Instructions
  • Motor Skills
  • Performance Tests
  • Psychology
  • Reaction Time
  • Recording Systems
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Tape Recorders
  • United States
  • Visual Acuity

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.