Experimental investigations related to combined manual and decision tasks

Abstract

Abstract This paper indicates the need for studying the effect of informational loads on performance times of manual components of combined manual and decision (Type II) tasks before a valid cycle-time prediction methodology for such tasks can be developed. Findings of a 2 × 3 completely randomized factorial experiment, in which ten subjects were used, are presented. For this study element reach of throe different magnitudes, i.e. 7 inches, 10 inches and 14 inches and three levels of informational load, i.e. 1 bit, 2 bits and 3 bits were used. Results indicate that increase in performance time due to informational load is highest for reach of the smallest magnitude and it decreases as magnitude of reach increases. For the same magnitude of reach performance time increases as informational load.