Screening Enhancements: Why don't they Enhance Performance?

Abstract

Data obtained utilizing image enhancements in a carry-on bag x-ray screening task were analyzed to determine whether and how image enhancements affect performance. To complement earlier studies of experienced screeners, sixty-six novices to the screening task used six different overall enhancements. Results indicated a significant worsening of performance, A', between Original images and Negative images, but no performance differences for the other enhancements, similar to effects found for experienced screeners. There was little overall performance learning taking place on the task. More detailed analysis by splitting response times into search and non-search components revealed little more enhancement effect, but a reduction in False Alarm response time as the task progressed. It appears that the locus of lack of positive effects of enhancements is not just a function of familiarity with the current screen view.

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