Computational Modeling of Human Multiple-Task Performance

Author(s):  
David E. Kieras ◽  
David Meyer
1988 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. Wickens ◽  
Kelly Harwood ◽  
Leon Segal ◽  
Inge Tkalcevic ◽  
Bill Sherman

The objective of this research was to establish the validity of predictive models of workload in the context of a controlled simulation of a helicopter flight mission. The models that were evaluated contain increasing levels of sophistication regarding their assumptions about the competition for processing resources underlying multiple task performance. Ten subjects performed the simulation which involved various combinations of a low level flight task with three cognitive side tasks, pertaining to navigation, spatial awareness and computation. Side task information was delivered auditorily or visually. Results indicated that subjective workload is best predicted by relatively simple models that simply integrate the total demands of tasks over time (r = 0.65). In contrast, performance is not well predicted by these models (r < .10), but is best predicted by models that assume differential competition between processing resources (r = 0.47). The relevance of these data to predictive models and to the use of subjective measures for model validation is discussed.


Author(s):  
Earl A. Alluisi

The application of synthetic tasks to the assessment of complex performance is discussed in relation to the trade-offs involved in achieving adequate levels of face validity and in specifying the exact changes in psychological functions that may result from particular environmental manipulations. It is argued that the multiple-task performance battery approach can provide levels of face validity adequate to maintain the motivation of subjects while at the same time permitting the identification of changes in specific performance functions. The characteristics of this approach are discussed in relation to a program of research on the effects of confinement and demanding work-rest schedules on crew performance.


1976 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. A. Higgins ◽  
W. D. Chiles ◽  
J. M. McKenzie ◽  
G. E. Funkhouser ◽  
M. J. Burr ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Guillermo Navarro ◽  
Clint A. Bowers ◽  
Janan Al-Awar Smither

1979 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 554-557
Author(s):  
Robert P. Bateman

Nine experienced pilots served as subjects in an experiment designed to evaluate differences between multifunction keyboards by measuring the objective performances of the subjects. In order to achieve a high degree of external (or content) validity, the test was designed to closely simulate a series of tasks that a pilot might encounter during actual flight. Subjects performed tracking tasks and used the keyboards for secondary tasks. Measurements of tracking parameters and of performance time and errors using the keyboards were taken. The results showed that no single variable consistently reflected changes in task difficulty. The observed tendency of subjects to employ different, changing strategies during the multiple task performance led to a tentative hypothesis that work was a composite of all of the parameters. A regression analysis was used to develop an equation with weighting coefficients for the parameters. The equation was found to be in agreement with subjective performance evaluations.


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