Cognitive Complexity, Type A Behavioral Style and Load as Predictors of Visual-Motor Task Performance.
Abstract
Effects of cognitive complexity (multidimensionality vs. unidimensionality) and of Type A behavioral style (a coronary prone behavior) on four measures of task performance in a visual-motor task were investigated. Subjects were exposed to four load levels which produced task settings ranging from relatively easy to extremely difficult. It was found that increasing load increases both risk taking and errors, and decreases strategic planning and overall task performance. More multidimensional (complex) persons engaged in considerably more strategic planning and made fewer errors than their more unidimensional (less complex) counterparts. Differences between these two groups were particularly evident at higher (more stressing) load levels. Type A Coronary Prone Behavior had no effects on performance whatsoever. Implications of these findings for the Type A personality and for tasks requiring some degree of planning or strategy are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124148
Entities
People
- Ann L. Denson
- Siegfried Streufert
- Susan C. Streufert
Organizations
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center