On the Cost of Detection Response Task Performance on Cognitive Load

Area of Science:

• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Measuring system operator cognitive load is crucial in human factors and ergonomics.
• The detection response task (DRT) is a standardized, yet hypothesized cost-free, measure of cognitive load.
• Pupil diameter offers a nonintrusive metric for assessing cognitive load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cognitive load costs associated with performing the detection response task (DRT).
• To test the hypothesis that DRT performance does not impose an additional cognitive burden.
• To utilize pupil diameter as a psychophysiological measure of cognitive load during DRT performance.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight volunteers undertook cognitive tasks (control, 0-back, 1-back, 2-back) with or without concurrent DRT.
• Pupil diameter was continuously monitored as a primary metric of cognitive load.
• Self-reported workload and task performance (n-back accuracy) were also recorded.

Main Results:

• DRT performance significantly increased pupil diameter compared to no-DRT conditions.
• Self-reported workload ratings were higher when DRT was performed concurrently.
• N-back task performance was consistent with increased cognitive load during DRT performance.

Conclusions:

• Detection response task performance incurs a measurable cost on cognitive load.
• The observed increase in cognitive load from DRT is comparable to increasing task difficulty.
• Caution is advised when using DRT as a cost-free measure of cognitive load.