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A New Method for Inducing Mental Fatigue: A High Mental Workload Task Paradigm Based on Complex Cognitive Abilities
Lei Ren1,2, Lin Wu3, Tingwei Feng3
1Military Psychology Section, Logistics University of PAP, Tianjin 300309, China.
Brain Sciences
|June 26, 2025
Summary
A new 1-back Stroop (BS) task paradigm effectively induces mental fatigue (MF) and high mental workload (HMW) by integrating task complexity and time pressure, offering a reliable method for research.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Occupational stress and prolonged cognitive tasks can lead to mental fatigue (MF), impacting well-being and performance.
- Current methods for inducing MF are often limited by insufficient cognitive load or emotional distress.
- There is a need for effective methods to induce high mental workload (HMW) and MF in research settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel cognitive task paradigm for inducing HMW and MF.
- To integrate task complexity and time pressure to create a more effective MF induction method.
- To assess the efficacy of the proposed paradigm using subjective and objective measures.
Main Methods:
- A 1-back Stroop (BS) task paradigm was developed, incorporating varying complexity and time pressure.
- The BS task's efficacy in inducing HMW was compared to a traditional 2-back task.
- Mental fatigue (MF) induction was achieved by combining the BS paradigm with a 30-minute task duration (time on task - ToT).
- Subjective (NASA-TLX, VAS) and objective (reaction time, accuracy) measures were used for assessment.
Main Results:
- The BS task paradigm significantly increased NASA-TLX scores (mental demand, temporal demand, performance, frustration) compared to the 2-back task.
- Participants showed longer reaction times and lower accuracy with the BS task.
- Continuous task engagement led to increased mental fatigue (MF), mental effort (ME), mental stress (MS), and subjective fatigue.
- Objective measures showed prolonged reaction times and increased lapses in the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) post-task.
Conclusions:
- The BS task paradigm effectively induces a high mental workload (HMW) state through complex cognitive demands and time pressure.
- Combining the BS paradigm with time on task (ToT) provides an effective method for inducing mental fatigue (MF).
- This study offers a novel and reliable tool for inducing HMW and MF in future research.
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