Performance on a Sustained Attention to Response Task

Abstract

Robertson et al. (1997) modified the standard sustained attention target detection task, in which overt responses signal the detection of rare targets, into the sustained attention to response task (SART), in which withholding responses signals the detection of rare targets. We compared the SART format with the standard detection task format using local-global letter tasks. The SART response format is much more challenging than the standard format and demonstrates different performance changes over time than the standard format. These findings may further our understanding of human behavior in high target probability, low neutral signal probability environments, such as modern combat.