Citation

Ellis RD, Goldberg JH, Detweiler MC. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 1996; 51(3): 155-165.

Affiliation

Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Gerontological Society of America, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8620355

Abstract

Recent work on age-related differences in some types of visual information processing has qualitatively stated that younger adults are able to develop parallel processing capability, while older adults remain serial processors. A mathematical model based on queuing theory was used to quantitatively predict and parameterize age-related differences in the perceptual encoding and central decision-making aspects of a multiple-frame search task. Statistical results indicated main effects for frame duration, display load, age group, and session of practice. Comparison of the full model and a restricted model indicated an efficient contribution of the encoding speed parameter. The best-fitting parameter set indicated that (1) younger participants processed task information with a two-channel parallel system, while older participants were serial processors; and (2) perceptual encoding had a large impact on age-related differences in task performance. Results are discussed with implications for human factors design principles.

Language: en