In search of a time-sharing ability in zero input tracking analyzer scores

The Zero Input Tracking Analyzer (ZITA) is a small psychomotor test that attempts to measure time-sharing ability by use of tracking tasks performed with and without a secondary task. Scores from a sample of Army aviators were intercorrelated and factor analyzed. Separate factors were identified for a time-sharing dimension and for a general ability to perform higher order tracking tasks. Three other factors were extracted and interpreted. The results are interpretable as demonstrating the existence of a time-sharing ability that is separate from the ability to perform various types of tracking tasks.