Can CNV Amplitude Predict Ability to Accomplish a Demanding Task?
Abstract
Three experiments will be described in which cognitive demands were manipulated. The task was a modified Sternberg paradigm comprised of three task stimuli: the cue, providing information about the memory set, the memory set itself, and a test stimulus, a member of the memory set on half the trials. Among variables investigated were set size and nature of the stimulus material. Physiological measures included EEG Event-Related Potentials to the three stimuli ('Task-ERPs'), ERPs to 'probe' stimuli ('Probe-ERPs'), flashes irrelevant to performance. Three measures derived from the eye blink and one heart rate measure were used. Results demonstrated ERP changes related to task difficulty. Some involved the ERP to the memory stimulus and some, the probe ERP. Heart rate changes, some related to expectancy, others to task demands, were also obtained. Blink probability, duration and timing, all reflected stimulus expectancy and difficulty. These results suggest that work load, as well as attention, can be evaluated using physiological measures. (js)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADP006089
Entities
People
- Peter Abraham
Organizations
- AGARD