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Detection-Action Sequence in Vigilance: Effects on Workload and Stress

Parsons, Kelley S.

Abstract Details

2007, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Psychology.
In a recent study by Gunn et al. (2005), participants simulating UAV controllers monitored a vigilance display for signals alerting them to the presence of enemy aircraft which they could then track down and destroy. A key finding in that study was the low workload rating that the participants gave on the NASA-TLX to the combined vigilance/tracking task. That finding contrasts with many previous investigations indicating that the cost of mental operations in vigilance is substantial, as reflected in high workload ratings on the NASA-TLX scale (Warm, Dember, & Hancock, 1996). In the previous studies, participants were typically required to detect signals without the need for subsequent action based upon their detections. The Gunn et al. (2005) study was the first to feature a detection/action link in which performance on a vigilance task had immediate consequences for actions to follow. The vigilance task could have taken on greater importance in this more dynamic context leading to lower ratings of perceived workload: A possibility that accords with the view that the manner in which participants interprets a situation may have impact upon the perceived workload of vigilance assignments (Hancock & Warm, 1989). This study tested that possibility along with three others under conditions in which UAV controllers were or were not afforded an opportunity to search/destroy enemy threats on the basis of successful signal detection on a monitored warning display. The results did not confirm Gunn et al.'s (2005) findings. Workload ratings in this study were in the upper level of the NASA-TLX scale in all cases except one, that in which participants only rated the search/destroy component of the detection/action composite. Nevertheless, the detection/action link did have significant effects upon the quality of vigilance performance and upon task-induced stress as measured by the Dundee Stress State questionnaire (Matthews et al., 2002). Participants who were afforded a detection/action link detected significantly more signals in the vigilance task, were more task-engaged, and reported less distress than those whose assignment was limited to vigilance alone. It would appear imperative that detection/action linkages be an integral part of future vigilance studies.
Dr. Joel Warm (Advisor)
132 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Parsons, K. S. (2007). Detection-Action Sequence in Vigilance: Effects on Workload and Stress [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1177942825

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Parsons, Kelley. Detection-Action Sequence in Vigilance: Effects on Workload and Stress. 2007. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1177942825.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Parsons, Kelley. "Detection-Action Sequence in Vigilance: Effects on Workload and Stress." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1177942825

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)