Measurement of Attentional Capacity Load Using Dual-Task Performance Operating Curves.

Abstract

A fixed attentional capacity theory of human attentional limitations was tested to determine its ability to predict the combination of tasks pilots could perform together without noticeable decrements. Three cognitive tasks and a simulated formation flying task were performed singly and in pairs. Performance operating curves generated by dual-task performance on pairs of the cognitive tasks were estimated successfully. Their equivalent attentional demands were found. The flying task had a very small, but measurable attentional demand, as determined from dual-task performance. Performance on the cognitive tasks that were performed together with the flying task was consistent with the capacity theory. However, the small attentional demand needed to perform the flying task prevented a strong test of the theory. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA055690

Entities

People

  • Herbert A. Colle
  • Joseph De Maio

Organizations

  • Brooks Air Force Base

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Aircrafts
  • Classification
  • Cognition
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Human Resources
  • Information Processing
  • New York
  • Psychology
  • Pulse Code Modulation
  • Ratings
  • Sequences
  • Simulators
  • Tape Recording
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • Training

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience