Methodological Approaches to the Study of Sustained Work/Sustained Operations: Introduction

摘要

This reprint describes diverse methodologies used in sustained work/sustained operations (SUSOPS) laboratory and field research. The study of worker performance in extended/sustained operations requires eclectic methodologies drawn generally from research on work-rest cycles (e.g., Alluisi & Morgan, 1982), shift-work systems (e.g., Colquhoun & Rutenfranz, 1980; Tepas, 1979; Tepas et al., 1985) and sleep deprivation (e.g., Webb, 1968, 1985). Methodologies are evolving, and research paradigms are focusing on the identification of the major independent variables of interest: prior rest quantity and quality, types of work and tasks, amount of workload, times of day of performance, work/rest cycles, naps, circadian rhythms, diet, physical fitness, environmental conditions, and pharmacological intervention to sustain or enhance performance. An important component of many SUSOPS experiments is the study of performance as a function of time of day, over a period of several days. Researchers often design studies to measure continuous performance on simulated 'real-life' tasks. In other studies, researchers measure periodic task performance, using checklists of brief standardized laboratory tasks designed to evaluate a range of psychological functions. The reprint also addresses the methodological and operational (equipment) problems encountered in running SUSOPPS experiments.