The U.S. Air Force Neurophysiological Workload Test Battery: Concept and Validation,
Abstract
In assessing the workload effects of sustained operations, it is likely that a multistage process will be employed. Broadly based measures such as timeline analyses and subjective estimates will be used to identify specific problem areas in a given sustained operation. These workload 'choke-points' will then be intensively studied utilizing a variety of subjective, behavioral, and physiological measures to tap the appropriate resources within the individual and to provide an estimate of how these resource demands interact with task demands and response variables. In order to provide measures of these specific capabilities and resources, the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory is developing workload metrics spanning the entire spectrum, from task analysis through subjective and behavioral measures. In addition, neurophysiological measures have been investigated for a number of years with respect to their sensitivity in assessing workload. A test battery consisting of six different electrophysical measures in eleven different forms has been constructed. The tests selected were based on extensive laboratory data which indicated some probability that each measured an aspect of workload and might be appropriate and practical in applied settings. This test battery is currently undergoing validation studies in simulator environments and successfully validated tests will be incorporated into a second generation neurophysiological test battery to be used in field workload assessment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002982
Entities
People
- R. D. O'donnell
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory