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Toward the Use of Pupillary Responses for Pilot Selection
Nadine Matton1, Pierre-Vincent Paubel1, Sébastien Puma2
184453131832 University of Toulouse, France.
Human Factors
|September 1, 2020
Summary
Pupil size changes during demanding tasks can predict pilot training success. Proficient pilots show distinct pupil responses, suggesting more efficient mental resource use.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Human factors in aviation
- Physiological measures of workload
Background:
- Cognitive workload significantly impacts learning outcomes.
- Inefficient mental workload management is a common cause of pilot training difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pupil size as a predictor of pilot proficiency.
- To differentiate between high-success and medium-success pilot students based on cognitive workload indicators.
Main Methods:
- Twenty pilot students undertook a multitasking scenario with escalating workload.
- Pupil size was continuously monitored throughout the laboratory-based simulation.
- Participants were categorized based on 2-year flight training outcomes.
Main Results:
- Task-evoked pupil size changes effectively predicted flight training difficulties.
- High-success pilots exhibited larger pupil size variations between low- and high-workload conditions.
- High-success pilots had smaller average pupil diameters during low-workload stages.
Conclusions:
- Pupil size measurement is a promising tool for assessing mental resource allocation.
- Findings align with the neural efficiency hypothesis, suggesting proficient pilots use resources more effectively.
- Ocular measurements could enhance pilot selection processes by identifying candidates with higher success potential.
