Choice Bimanual Aiming with Unequal Indices of Difficulty
Abstract
Human performance response times to stimuli are typically predicted using two models first developed in the 1950's. Hick's Law, used to predict reaction time (RT), linearly relates RT to the information content of the stimulus. Movement time (MT) is also predicted using an information-theoretic model known as Fitts' Law which linearly relates MT to what Fitts called the index of difficulty (ID) of the particular task. These laws have been found to be quite robust in predicting RT and MT, respectively, for unimanual visula aiming tasks. Previous research involving bimanual aiming t hands are moving to targets of differing difficulty With only the easy-task hand slowing. Results have been inconsistent on the issue of whether the hands react and move in synchrony. Three studies were conducted to characterize temporal human bimanual aiming performance. Pilot Study I verified Hick's and Fitts' Laws for unimanual tasks only. Pilot Study II established the utility of the stimulus-response board that was used as a testing medium for bimanual tasks. Hick's Law and Fitts' Law held for the new apparatus. The Main Study tested twenty subjects performing discrete, unimanual and bimanual visual aiming tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270057
Entities
People
- George M. Waltensperger
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology