Inattentional Insensitivity as a Predictor of On-Task Performance and Performance in a Subsequent Task

Abstract

Thirty-three participants were recruited to test two conditions of inattentional insensitivity (IIS). IIS is the inability to recall a salient stimulus when performing a task in the same sensory modality. The two IIS conditions were visual (inattentional blindness) and tactile. Inattentional blindness was tested using a recently developed measure (an origami video). Task performance for both conditions, in addition to IIS were measured. Participants’ working memory (WM) were also tested. After being tested for IIS and WM, participants operated a driving simulator. Performance and situation awareness (SA) during the driving scenario were measured. Participants categorized as IIS performed worse for SA and performance in the subsequent driving task. However, it was found that participants categorized as IIS for the tactile condition performed better for the given tactile task. Further studies testing the relationship between IIS with SA and performance in safety critical situations are warranted. Additionally, the relationship between IIS with SA and performance may improve selection and training for safety critical and dynamic positions.