Microgravity Effects on Cognitive Performance Measures: Practice Schedules to Acquire and Maintain Performance Stability.
Abstract
NASA is conducting a series of space shuttle launches to enable scientists to study the effects of microgravity. The Sustained Operations Branch of the USAF Armstrong Laboratory (AL/CFTO) has primary responsibility for studying the effects of microgravity on astronaut cognitive performance ability. To accurately identify performance decrements caused by microgravity in space, it is essential to collect preflight baseline data. Two studies were conducted to determine the impact on baseline performance stability of less than optimal practice schedules. In the first study, 21 subjects at Brooks AFB were trained on the NASA Performance Assessment Workstation (PAWS) and then assigned to one of five practice schedules. The study confirmed the overriding importance of providing an adequate number of practice sessions to achieve performance stability. Practice schedule interruptions had little impact on ultimate performance at the end of practice, provided the total number of sessions was maintained. An additional 80 subjects were tested using additional testing schedule alternatives. With few exceptions, the data showed remarkable consistency across the two studies. The data from both studies confirmed the high differential stability and reliability for the task measures and provided evidence for high software reliability. A database has been generated for classifying astronaut performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA298498
Entities
People
- Damuel G. Schiflett
- Douglas R. Eddy
- Kirby Gilliland
- Randa L. Shehab
- Robert E. Schlegel
Organizations
- University of Oklahoma