The role of cue utilisation in reducing the workload in a train control task

• DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1330494
• Publication Date: 2017-05-16T10:07:06Z
• Authors: Sue Brouwers; Mark W. Wiggins; Barbara Griffin; William S. Helton; David O’Hare
• Keywords: Cognitive Load

Skilled performance has been characterised, in part, by the capacity to accurately identify and respond patterns as cues environment. The outcome is a reduction cognitive load greater residual undertake concurrent tasks. present study was designed examine relationship between cue utilisation temporal pattern recognition context of simulated, rail control task. Sixty-one university students undertook an assessment engaged simulation. appearance movement trains followed consistent but implicit (undisclosed) pattern. Throughout second half task, secondary task included. results indicated that participants with relatively higher were more likely movements, accurate responded rapidly under increased workload conditions. suggest propensity may provide opportunity reduce demands, thereby facilitating novel Implications for selection system design are discussed. Practitioner Summary: This explain differences way which people learn, particularly when tasks involve recurring patterns. Using simulated control, who display behaviour indicative also recognise trains. enables them manage effectively, even while undertaking other