Differences in Cognitive Ability and Preference Mediate Effects of Interruptions on Simulated Driving Performance

Abstract

With increasing use of in-vehicle devices, such as cell phones and navigation systems, potential for accident risk due to factors such as inattention and high mental workload are heightened. Notification management systems offer a solution to this problem by mediating notifications based on factors such as task difficulty. However, relevant theories and findings are needed to guide notification management decisions. In this study, 20 participants completed working memory span, cognitive style, and desire for control assessments and then participated in a simulated driving task while responding to phone call notifications. Significant effects of the cognitive factors on how interruptions affected driving performance were found on a number of dependent variables, including measures of minimum time to collision and of longitudinal velocity. Implications for in-vehicle notification management systems are discussed.

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