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Evaluation of a Psychomotor Vigilance Task for Touch Screen Devices
Lucia Arsintescu1, Jeffrey B Mulligan, Erin E Flynn-Evans2
1San Jose State University Research Foundation, San Jose, California.
Human Factors
|January 18, 2017
Summary
Researchers found that using a touch screen device for the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) yielded faster reaction times when held landscape with a thumb. Device latency averaged 68.53 ms, varying by individual.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- The psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) is a sensitive measure of sleep loss and circadian rhythm disruption.
- Touch screen devices offer a portable alternative to traditional PVT, but differ in response recording and introduce device latency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare three techniques for conducting a PVT on a touch screen device.
- To determine the device latency inherent in touch screen PVT administration.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen participants completed a 5-minute PVT on an iPod Touch in three conditions: table-held (index finger), handheld portrait (index finger), and handheld landscape (thumb).
- Paired t-tests compared reaction time outcomes across conditions.
- A high-speed video camera recorded initial sessions to measure device latency.
Main Results:
- Significantly faster reaction times were observed in the landscape-held (thumb) position compared to the portrait-held (index finger) position (M=224.13 ms vs. M=244.26 ms, p=.045).
- Mean device latency was 68.53 ms across 1,241 touch events, with substantial inter-individual variability.
Conclusions:
- Device orientation and latency are critical factors influencing PVT results on touch screen devices.
- These findings are crucial for researchers utilizing touch screen PVT for sleep and circadian studies.
