The Effect of Input Device on Performance of a Driving Task in an Uncoupled Motion Environment

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of input device on performance of a driving task during uncoupled motion (UM). Background: Muth, Walker & Fiorello (2006) demonstrated that UM affected performance on a driving task with a steering wheel input device. However, it was unclear if the effect was due to general (motion sickness) or specific (interference with motor control) effects of UM. Methods: Ten participants completed a driving task while in a stationary and a moving real vehicle using a handheld control pad. Data were combined with the results of the previous study. Results: Regardless of input device, performance was significantly affected by UM, F (1, 18) = 16.69, p < 0.01, _p²=0.48. There was also a condition by input device interaction, F (1, 18) = 4.81, p < 0.05, _p²=0.21. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that UM can have both specific and general effects and that system design can potentially mitigate some of these effects.