Psychophysiological Metrics for Workload are Demand-Sensitive but Multifactorial

Abstract

Various psychophysiological indices of mental workload exhibit sensitivity to task demand factors, but the psychometrics of indices has been neglected. In particular, the extent to which different metrics converge on a common latent factor is unclear. In the present study, 150 participants performed in four task scenarios based on a simulation of unmanned vehicle operation. Scenarios required threat detection and/or change detection. Both single- and dual-task scenarios were used. Workload metrics were derived from the electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), functional Near Infra-Red (fNIR) and eyetracking. Subjective workload was also assessed. Several metrics were appropriately sensitive to the differing levels of task load presented by the four scenarios. However, factor analysis identified multiple factors, each of which was associated with a single response system only, with no general factor. Caution should be used in assessing workload in the individual operator.