SVIBOR - Project code: 6-06-026

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Strossmayerov trg 4, HR - 10000 ZAGREB
tel.: +385 1 459 44 44, fax: +385 1 459 44 69
E-mail: ured@znanost.hr

SVIBOR

SVIBOR - Collecting Data on Projects in Croatia

Project code: 6-06-026


HUMAN PERFORMANCE IN COMPLEX TASKS


Main researcher: ŠVERKO, BRANIMIR (48786)


Assistants
Type of research: basic
Duration from: 04/01/91. to 04/01/94.
Papers on project (total): 24
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 1
Institution name: Filozofski fakultet - Humanističke znanosti, Zagreb (130)
Department/Institute: Department of Psychology
Address: Ivana Lučića 3
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)1 6 120 216
Phone: 385 (0)1 6 120 187
Fax: 385 (0)1 6 120 037
E-mail: bsverko@filozof.ffzg.hr
E-mail: zjerneic@filozof.ffzg.hr
Summary: The main studies analyzed (1) the factor structure of time-sharing performance, (2) its relation to cognitive traits, and (3) its age-related differences. Computerized choice-reactions and tracking tasks, performed both singly and in dual-task combinations, were used. In one study they were performed by 98 students who also completed a series of paper-and-pencil tests. In another study 80 truck drivers, ranging in age from 20 to 61 years, performed the tasks. Our third study, with 112 students, further examined the problem by extending the analysis to higher levels of time-sharing practice. The analyses of results indicate that time-sharing performance, compared to single-task performance, exhibits some distinctive features: in factor analysis it defines its own factors, it reveals enhanced relationship to cognitive abilities, and shows a faster decline with age in adulthood. All this supports the notion of time-sharing ability. Other studies have dealt with efficacy of warning signals for alerting population and with ergonomic aspects of new technology. Since the evaluation of the public alarm system disclosed a number of shortcomings, an improved system was worked out. It was officially accepted in 1993 as the new Croatian alarm system.

Keywords: Complex tasks, Multiple tasks, Time-sharing performance, Ability structure, Cognitive abilities, Personality traits, Choice-response tasks, Tracking, Age differences, New technology, Warning signals

Research goals: Modern operators, such as pilots or air-traffic controllers, are often required to perform different complex tasks involving time-sharing performance. The term 'complex task' denotes here any multiple task composed by two or more component tasks that are to be performed virtually simultaneously. The main aim of this project was: (1) to analyze the ability structure underlying performance of concurrently performed tasks, on both low and high levels of practice; (2) to examine the relationship of time-sharing performance to relevant cognitive abilities and personality traits; and (3) to explore age differences in time-sharing performance. It has been expected that time-sharing performance, compared to single-task performance, would exhibit different factor structure, enhanced relations to cognitive abilities and faster decline with age in adulthood. This supports the hypothesis that time-shared tasks may tap some additional individual differences which are expected to improve the validity of assessment procedures. Additional aim was to study some ergonomic aspects of new technology and to examine the efficacy of Croatian public system for alerting population.

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: Stožer Civilne zaštite Republike Hrvatske
    Type of institution: Institution whose primary activities ar
    Type of cooperation: Occasional exchange of information
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

  2. Name of institution: Zavod za prometnu medicinu i psihologiju prometa
    Type of institution: International organization
    Type of cooperation: Occasional exchange of information
    City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
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Last update: 10/10/95
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