The Effects of Cognitive and Visual Workload on Peripheral Detection in the Detection Response Task

Wim van Winsum

43 citations0/0 files storedHuman Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

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Human-Automation Interaction and Safety Visual perception and processing mechanisms Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The independent effects of cognitive and visual load on visual Detection Response Task (vDRT) reaction times were studied in a driving simulator by performing a backwards counting task and a simple driving task that required continuous focused visual attention to the forward view of the road. The study aimed to unravel the attentional processes underlying the Detection Response Task effects. BACKGROUND: The claim of previous studies that performance degradation on the vDRT is due to a general interference instead of visual tunneling was challenged in this experiment. METHOD: vDRT stimulus eccentricity and stimulus conspicuity were applied as within-subject factors. RESULTS: Increased cognitive load and visual load both resulted in increased response times (RTs) on the vDRT. Cognitive load increased RT but revealed no task by stimulus eccentricity interaction. However, effects of visual load on RT showed a strong task by stimulus eccentricity interaction under conditions of low stimulus conspicuity. Also, more experienced drivers performed better on the vDRT while driving. CONCLUSION: This was seen as evidence for a differential effect of cognitive and visual workload. The results supported the tunnel vision model for visual workload, where the sensitivity of the peripheral visual field reduced as a function of visual load. However, the results supported the general interference model for cognitive workload. APPLICATION: This has implications for the diagnosticity of the vDRT: The pattern of results differentiated between visual task load and cognitive task load. It also has implications for theory development and workload measurement for different types of tasks.

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References

2003Using mobile telephones: cognitive workload and attention resource allocation 2006Driver experience and cognitive workload in different traffic environments 2005Mobile phone use—Effects of handheld and handsfree phones on driving performance 2005Peripheral detection as a workload measure in driving: Effects of traffic complexity and route guidance system use in a driving study 2020Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe Chapter 2019 Annual Conference 2003Peripheral detection as a measure of driver distraction. A study of memory-based versus system-based navigation in a built-up area 2008The Effect of Stimulus Modality on Signal Detection: Implications for Assessing the Safety of In-Vehicle Technology 2013Sensitivity of Detection Response Task (DRT) to the Driving Demand and Task Difficulty

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