Comparison of the P300 and Other Workload Assessment Techniques in a Simulated Flight Task

Abstract

Emerging cockpit technologies, such as graphical weather information systems, frequently shift perceptual demands from auditory to visual channels. Establishing methods of comparing the mental workload required by visual versus auditory displays within multitask environments is critical to maintaining aviation safety. Toward this end, the current investigation used a secondary task paradigm to compare physiological (i.e. peak amplitude and peak latency of the P300 ERP component), subjective and behavioral performance measures of mental workload required by a visual and auditory flight task. Participants flew a simulated flight path scenario while responding to either single or multiple auditory and text-based ATC commands and performing a visual or auditory detection task. Results indicate the P300 component, detection accuracy, response time and TLX ratings were sensitive to the presence or absence of the primary flight task. Accuracy and response time distinguished between single and multiple task command conditions. Results provide support for the suitability of this dual task technique for comparing displays of different modalities.