Effects of Visual Propioceptive Cue Conflicts on Human Tracking Performance
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate operator performance in an environment which was highly conducive to visual- proprioceptive conflict. The experimental task required that subjects maneuver a simulated remotely piloted vehicle from a simulated airborne control station (i. e., 'mother ship'). The vehicle an/or the station were given gust-like disturbances on pitch and/or roll. In a between groups design the performance of pilots, navigators, and non-rated Air Force officers was compared under conditions of conflict (e.g., visual roll right and roll left motion), non- conflict, motion only, and no motion. To maintain adequate performance it was necessary for the subjects to disregard sensations of motion. The results revealed that the conditions of conflict engendered the highest proportion of reversal errors by all subjects. The past experience of pilots did not help them overcome the effects of conflict as measured by reversal errors, but it did help them reduce response latencies. The effects of practice were evidenced primarily by a reduction of reversal errors under conditions of conflict. Strong evidence was found to support the notion that motion plays an alerting function and also provides information on the direction of attitude changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042006
Entities
People
- Lawrence E. Reed
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory