Electromagnetic Metrics of Mental Workload.
Abstract
Mental workload has been very difficult to describe quantitatively. An excessive workload can lead to a decrease in accuracy and performance, while a sustained high level of workload can lead to mental exhaustion. Previous research has indicated that heart rate variability and evoked potentials in the EEG (electroencephalogram) may be linked to mental workload. Unfortunately most of the work to date has examined these two biocybernetic variables independently rather than jointly. Recent advances now allow one to measure the magnetic fields produced by the brain (MEG) using a SQUID magnetometer (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices). Much of the MEG research to date has concentrated on lower order brain processes rather than the higher cognitive processes associated with workload. The current research examines all these biocybernetic variables jointly in an effort to quantify mental workload. A paradigm was developed to vary several aspects of mental workload and verify the hybrid capacity model of human information processing that was developed at Purdue. This research included constructing a data acquisition system to implement this paradigm and simultaneously record heart rate, respiration, EEG & MEG data. It is believed that this is the first time that such a varied data set was recorded simultaneously.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188205
Entities
People
- B. H. Kantowitz
- C. D. Mcgillem
- J. I. Aunon
- M. P. Plonski
Organizations
- Purdue University