A Comparison of the Predictive Validities of Single- and Dual-Task Measures

Abstract

An experiment comparing the predictive validity of single-versus dual-task measures is reported. Fifty-seven males received two trials on each of two identical one-dimensional compensatory tracking tasks followed by 25 dual-task trials. Finally, they performed each task alone for one trial. The subjects then were given a short basic flight course consisting of ground instruction and practice in a GAT-2 simulator. After completing the course, the subjects performed four repetitions of three maneuvers. Performance in the simulator then was correlated with performance on each tracking trial. The predictive validity of the early single-task scores decreased with practice while the dual-task validity increased throughout the testing session. However, the predictive validity of the late single-task scores was almost as large as that of the late dual-task scores.