Individual Differences in Computerized Test Performance for Systems Integration in Cockpit Management

Abstract

Assessments of cognitive performance profiles, personality variables, cognitive workload relationships, and physiological indices suggest that there may be important individual differences in cognitive test performance and style during the execution of cockpit management tasks. Stability of cognitive performance profiles during repeated measures in a flight simulator and in human factors test facility suggest significant subject effects on performance of nine computerized cognitive tests within a complex cognitive assessment battery. Highly significant test effects were demonstrated and characterized by individual differences in performing them during the execution of cockpit management tasks. Results showed important clustering of the cognitive tests (Following Directions, Mark Numbers, Numbers and Words, Word Anagrams, Missing Items, Route Planning, Tower Puzzle, Information Purchase, and Logical Relations) in which varying clusters differed significantly from other clusters and patterns. Cognitive performance on some tests were related to assessments of personality, physiological indices, cognitive workload, and proficiency in monitoring instrument displays. For the integration of advanced cockpit technology and human cognitive performance capabilities in advanced cockpit management systems, inferences may be drawn which describe the types of cognitive performances which may be efficiently integrated with automated instrumentation in the cockpit. The design and integration of performance management tasks for the advanced cockpit includes consideration of the individual differences in performance of specific cognitive tests and the proficient performance of their components in the management system.