How is Performance Limited: Testing the Notion of Central Capacity.
Abstract
Two-dimensional pursuit tracking task was employed in three experiments designed to test three predictions of a central capacity approach to the description of performance limitations under time-sharing conditions. These are the predicted effects of change in task difficulty, task emphasis and their interaction. Each of simultaneously performed tracking dimensions (horizontal and vertical) was treated as a separate task and manipulated independently. Tracking difficulty on each dimension and their relative emphasis were jointly investigated in a central composite response surface design. Negatively accelerated effects of task priority and limited tradeoff between tracking dimensions were obtained when frequency and velocity of target movement served as difficulty parameters. Direct linear tradeoffs were observed when control complexity was increased by changing control dynamics. These results cannot be easily accommodated within a strict central capacity model. An alternative interpretation which relies on a multiple capacity approach is outlined. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA097236
Entities
People
- Daniel Gopher
- David Navon
Organizations
- Technion – Israel Institute of Technology