Citation

Boles DB, Bursk JH, Phillips JB, Perdelwitz JR. Hum. Factors 2007; 49(1): 32-45.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 870348, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA. dboles@bama.ua.edu

Comment In:

Hum Factors 2007;49(1):53-6

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17315841

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the validity of the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ) in predicting dual-task interference. BACKGROUND: Subjective workload measures such as the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) and NASA Task Load Index are sensitive to single-task parameters and dual-task loads but have not attempted to measure workload in particular mental processes. An alternative is the MRQ. METHOD: In Experiment 1, participants completed simple laboratory tasks and the MRQ after each. Interference between tasks was then correlated to three different task similarity metrics: profile similarity, based on r(2) between ratings; overlap similarity, based on summed minima; and overall demand, based on summed ratings. Experiment 2 used similar methods but more complex computer-based games. RESULTS: In Experiment 1 the MRQ moderately predicted interference (r = +.37), with no significant difference between metrics. In Experiment 2 the metric effect was significant, with overlap similarity excelling in predicting interference (r = +.83). Mean ratings showed high diagnosticity in identifying specific mental processing bottlenecks. CONCLUSION: The MRQ shows considerable promise as a cognitive-process-sensitive workload measure. APPLICATION: Potential applications of the MRQ include the identification of dual-processing bottlenecks as well as process overloads in single tasks, preparatory to redesign in areas such as air traffic management, advanced flight displays, and medical imaging.

Language: en