Characterizing alterations in attention networks under high mental workload

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• High mental workload (HMW) is prevalent in modern occupations, potentially depleting cognitive resources.
• Attention is a critical cognitive function susceptible to HMW, leading to performance deficits.
• Understanding attention network alterations under HMW is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific changes in the attention network under induced high mental workload.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the 1-back Stroop (BS) cognitive task in inducing HMW.
• To identify behavioral, subjective, and eye-tracking indicators sensitive to HMW.

Main Methods:

• Participants from a medical university were recruited using convenience sampling.
• High mental workload (HMW) was induced using the 1-back Stroop (BS) cognitive task.
• The Attention Network Test-Revised (ANT-R), eye tracking, and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for assessment before and after HMW induction.

Main Results:

• Subjective ratings indicated increased mental fatigue, effort, stress, boredom, and mind wandering post-HMW induction.
• Behavioral ANT-R results showed decreased alert efficiency and increased moving+engaging, flanker, and location conflict.
• Eye tracking revealed increased average saccade duration and blink count under HMW.

Conclusions:

• The BS cognitive task effectively induces HMW, validated by subjective and objective measures.
• Significant alterations in attention network efficiency, subjective experience, and eye movements characterize the HMW state.
• Findings provide a foundation for developing assessment and intervention strategies for HMW-related cognitive changes.