Effects of Display and Task Features on System Monitoring Performance in the Original Multi-Attribute Task Battery and MATB-II

Abstract

This study was designed to empirically examine equipment and system monitoring task features of the new Multi-Attribute Task Battery-I I (MATB-II) and the original version (MATB). It also was intended to examine the effects of adaptive task allocation on system monitoring performance, as found in previous studies. In addition, two different computer displays (CRT and LCD) were used to test performance differences between the two systems in order to add historical fidelity to the study results. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups (MATB or MATB-II both on CRT or LCD), all receiving a return to manual control of the system monitoring task at mid experiment. A fifth group using the MATB on CRT with no task allocation was the control. Measures used to compare the two systems included percent of automation failures detected by participants in the system monitoring task and subjective workload. Results failed to show significance for the adaptive task allocation manipulation. However, significant differences in monitoring performance were found between the two systems. Implications for design of display and equipment features and future research are discussed.