Computer Modeling of Operator Mental Workload during Target Acquisition: AnAssessment of Predictive Validity

摘要

The predictive validity of computer simulation modeling of the operator's mentalworkload and situational awareness (SA) during a target acquisition mission was assessed in the present study. In Phase 1, twelve participants completed a series of target acquisition trials in a laboratory flight simulator and provided subjective ratings of workload (using the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT)) and SA (using the Situational Awareness Rating Technique (SART)). In Phase 2 computer models of the laboratory task were constructed using the Micro Saint modeling tool. The visual, auditory, kinesthetic, cognitive, and psychomotor components of the workload associated with each task were estimated and used to obtain the measures of average and peak workload. The results from the lab data versus the Micro Saint data were similar but not identical, indicating the computer models were partially, but not completely valid predictors of mental workload and SA. The computer modeling appeared to be a more effective predictor of SA rather than mental workload.