Abstract
Visual noise and temporal requirements of a compensatory tracking task were varied in order to determine time-on-target proficiency. Nine Ss were each given 32 trials in counterbalanced order, with problems varying as to visual noise and target acceleration. The display consisted of an A-scope with Ss task being to maintain a triangular pulse in the center of a stationary notch by manipulating a velocity controlled handwheel. The results were plotted as a family of curves describing probable success as a function of visual noise and task time allowed. Probability of success became greater as the time requirements became less severe, and when time requirements became more severe, not only did probability of success diminish, but the differential effects of noise became more pronounced. The authors suggested this approach as a method of predicting subsequent tracking behavior.
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