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The Effects of Cognitive and Visual Workload on Peripheral Detection in the Detection Response Task
1Carnetsoft, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Cognitive and visual load impact driving performance differently. Visual load impairs peripheral vision, supporting the tunnel vision model, while cognitive load causes general interference, affecting reaction times on the visual Detection Response Task (vDRT).
Area of Science:
- Human Factors
- Cognitive Psychology
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Previous research suggested performance degradation on the visual Detection Response Task (vDRT) is due to general interference.
- This study challenges the notion that vDRT performance decline is solely due to general interference, exploring specific workload effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent effects of cognitive and visual load on vDRT reaction times.
- To differentiate attentional processes underlying vDRT performance under varying cognitive and visual demands.
Main Methods:
- A driving simulator study was conducted using a backwards counting task (cognitive load) and a driving task (visual load).
- vDRT stimulus eccentricity and stimulus conspicuity were manipulated as within-subject factors.
- Reaction times (RTs) on the vDRT were measured under different load conditions.
Main Results:
- Both increased cognitive and visual load led to longer vDRT reaction times.
- Visual load demonstrated a significant interaction with stimulus conspicuity and eccentricity, supporting the tunnel vision model.
- Cognitive load increased RTs without a significant interaction, aligning with the general interference model; experienced drivers performed better.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a differential impact of cognitive versus visual workload on vDRT performance.
- Visual workload supports the tunnel vision model, whereas cognitive workload aligns with the general interference model.
- The vDRT shows diagnostic potential for distinguishing between types of task load, aiding workload measurement and theory development.
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