Vigilance: It's Boring,It's Difficult,and I Can't do Anything about it

Abstract

The present study was designed to examine the role of boredom, perceived mental workload, and perceived control in vigilance. Subjective estimates of boredom and mental workload were measured before and after a 40 minute vigil during which movements of a computer mouse were monitored. In addition, subjects were administered Rotter's (1966) locus of control inventory. Subjects who made progressively more movements over time reported the highest levels of boredom and workload. In addition, the subjects with the highest performance levels were the most cautious in their responding, had an internal locus of control, and tended to experience less frustration. Significant, positive correlations were also observed between the boredom and workload scores suggesting that boredom may be an important contributor to mental workload in sustained attention.

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