Influence of critical signal regularity, stimulus event matrix, and cognitive style on vigilance performance.

Samuel F. Moore; Steven J. Gross

doi:10.1037/h0034764

Influence of critical signal regularity, stimulus event matrix, and cognitive style on vigilance performance.

Journal of Experimental Psychology ◽

10.1037/h0034764 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 99 (1) ◽

pp. 137-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Samuel F. Moore ◽

Steven J. Gross

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Style ◽

Stimulus Event ◽

Vigilance Performance ◽

Critical Signal

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Effects of Background Event Rate and Critical Signal Amplitude on Vigilance Performance

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1974.38.3c.1175 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 38 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 1175-1181 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Kurt R. Metzger ◽

Joel S. Warm ◽

Roderick J. Senter

Keyword(s):

Event Detection ◽

Detection Probability ◽

Event Rate ◽

Signal Amplitude ◽

Overt Response ◽

Vigilance Performance ◽

Background Event ◽

Critical Signal

Ss monitored a display consisting of the repetitive presentation of pairs of movements of a bar of light. A neutral background event, for which no overt response was required, was a double deflection of 24 mm. The critical signal for detection was a longer deflection in the second movement within an event. Detection probability was greater for incremental excursions of 33% relative to 8.3% of the base movement. This effect was enhanced twofold when the event rate in which the signals were embedded was 21 as compared to 6 events/min. The results are considered in terms of the elicited observing rate hypothesis proposed by Jerison (1970).

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The Vigilance Decrement Reflects Limitations in Effortful Attention, Not Mindlessness

Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ◽

10.1518/hfes.45.3.349.27253 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 349-359 ◽

Cited By ~ 155

Author(s):

Rebecca A. Grier ◽

Joel S. Warm ◽

William N. Dember ◽

Gerald Matthews ◽

Traci L. Galinsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Workload ◽

Vigilance Task ◽

Neutral Stimulus ◽

Button Press ◽

Vigilance Decrement ◽

Vigilance Performance ◽

Critical Signal ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Nasa Tlx ◽

Over Time

Robertson, Manly, Andrade, Baddeley, and Yiend (1997) proposed that the decline in performance efficiency over time in vigilance tasks (the vigilance decrement) is characterized by “mindlessness” or a withdrawal of attentional effort from the monitoring assignment. We assessed that proposal using measures of perceived mental workload (NASA-TLX) and stress (Dundee Stress State Questionnaire). Two types of vigilance task were employed: a traditional version, wherein observers made button-press responses to signify detection of rarely occurring critical signals, and a modified version, developed by Robertson et al. to promote mindlessness via routinization, wherein button-press responses acknowledged frequently occurring neutral stimulus events and response withholding signified critical signal detection. The vigilance decrement was observed in both tasks, and both tasks generated equally elevated levels of workload and stress, the latter including cognitions relating to performance adequacy. Vigilance performance seems better characterized by effortful attention (mindfulness) than by mindlessness. Actual or potential applications of this research include procedures to reduce the information-processing demand imposed by vigilance tasks and the stress associated with such tasks.

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