Dual-Task Performance as a Function of Presentation Mode and Individual Differences in Verbal and Spatial Ability
Abstract
The effectiveness of alternative display formats as a function of individual differences in verbal and spatial abilities was evaluated in a dual- task paradigm. Tasks consisted of two dimensional tracking and a classification task in which items were presented as text, speech, or icons. Spatial ability was correlated with performance on the tracking task both for single task and for dual task in combination with the various presentation modes of the classification task. Verbal ability was not consistently correlated with performance on any of the tasks. Significant individual differences in dual task performance were found, and individuals were highly consistent with themselves across different presentation modes. Classification task performance is compared for the three presentation modes singly and in combination with the tracking task. Dual task classification was slower than single-task classification for the visual modes, but there was no increase in reaction time between single and dual task performance for speech. In the dual task conditions. The largest tracking performance decrements were found for the text conditions, with small decrements for speech, and smallest decrements for iconic presentations. Issues related to time sharing ability and strategies are also discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA246611
Entities
People
- Astrid Schimidt-nielsen
- Linda E. Sibert
- Lisa B. Achille
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory