Workload overload modeling: An experiment with MATB II to inform a computational model of task management

Robert S. Gutzwiller, Christopher D. Wickens, Benjamin A. Clegg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Task switching choice was examined building from a model of task overload management. An experiment using the Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB) was undertaken to explore the influence of two parameters of the model, task priority and task difficulty. Participants were free to switch between the four component tasks, with the number of switches and task choice for conflicting events observed. A unique post-experiment survey measured subjective ratings of task attributes. We found that task difficulty, by reducing switching, and task priority, which determined whether increased task difficulty increased time in task, significantly influenced task switching predominantly in line with our predictions. The specific role of priority in multi-task management, and future directions including time-on-task related effects and the role of operator fatigue, are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
PublisherHuman Factors an Ergonomics Society Inc.
Pages849-853
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780945289456
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014 - Chicago, United States
Duration: Oct 27 2014Oct 31 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume2014-January
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Other

Other58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period10/27/1410/31/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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