A Multiple Processing Resource Explanation of the Subjective Dimensions of Operator Workload.

Abstract

Multiple measures of operator workload may dissociate, or fail to agree, for a given task. The goal of this study was to determine which task difficulty (workload) as indexed by attentional resource demand could explain the attendant variance in a second index of workload, subjective ratings. A multiple resource model of processing resources (Wickens, 1980) guided construction of tasks of differential resource demand. These tasks were both performed by subjects and rated according to workload similarity. Scaling and clustering analyses of the similarity data produced subjective dimensions/clusters of workload that were explained in terms of resource demand, task structure, and task characteristics. Data collected to support this analysis - task performance, physiological measures of heart period variability, effort ratings - revealed three primary dissociations. These dissociations were explained by using the parameters of Wickens' multiple resource theory.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA141455

Entities

People

  • C. D. Wickens
  • W. L. Derrick

Organizations

  • University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Applied Psychology
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Workload
  • Computer Programs
  • Databases
  • Flight Crews
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Information Processing
  • Jet Transport Aircraft
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Psychology
  • Psychophysiology
  • Systems Engineering
  • Task Performance And Analysis

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.