An Assessment of Variable Format Information Presentation,
Abstract
Three experiments testing the feasibility of varying information display formats as task demands change in complex multitask environments were conducted. A multiple resource model of human information processing (Wickens, 1984) was used as a guide for determining how best to represent task relevant information under changing conditions and the general validity of certain aspects of the model were assessed. Experiment 1 investigated the usefulness of a basic dual-task environment for testing the variable format approach and Experiment 2 demonstrated that the technique was successful under simple task conditions. Experiment 3 increased the complexity of the base dual task by including a third task in an adaptive system context. The results from Experiment 3 supported the use of variable formats in complex adaptive systems and were consistent with the tenets of multiple resource theory. Experiment 3 also indicated the importance of considering individual differences in the design of adaptive systems. The overall approach attempts to improve human processing efficiency by capitalizing on current knowledge of human information processing characteristics and capabilities. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADP005589
Entities
People
- J. A. Forester
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory