The Sensitivity of Twenty Measures of Pilot Mental Workload in a Simulated ILS Task
Abstract
Twenty workload estimation techniques were compared in terms of their sensitivity to changes in pilot loading in an ILS task. The techniques included opinion measures, spare mental capacity measures, physiological measures, eye behavior measures, and primary task measures. Loading was treated as an independent variable and had three levels: low, medium, and high. The load levels were obtained by a combined manipulation of windgust disturbance level and simulated aircraft pitch stability. Six instrumented-rated pilots flew a moving-base general aviation simulator in four sessions lasting approximately three hours each. Measures were taken between the outer and middle markers. Two opinion measures, one spare mental capacity measure, one physiological measure, and one primary task measure demonstrated sensitivity to loading in this experiment. These measures were: Cooper-Harper ratings, WCI/TE ratings, time estimation standard deviation, pulse rate mean, and control movements per unit time. The Cooper-Harper ratings, WCI/TE ratings, and control movements demonstrated sensitivity to all levels of load, whereas the time estimation measure and pulse rate mean showed sensitivity to some load levels. The results demonstrate that sensitivities of workload estimation techniques vary widely, and that only a few techniques appear to be sensitive in this type of ILS task which emphasizes psychomotor behavior.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP001624
Entities
People
- Sidney A. Connor
- Walter W. Wierwille