The effects of workload history on dual task performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of workload history (specifically sudden workload shifts) on performance. A sample of 204 undergraduates was randomly assigned to either a sudden decrease or increase in workload condition. Participants simultaneously performed a memory search task (i.e., primary task) and an auditory vigilance task (i.e., distracter task), while percent correct was recorded. Separate Repeated Measures ANOVA’s revealed a significant treatment effect for the Medium to Low (F(l, 110) = 274.6, p < .01) and Low to Medium (F(l,92) = 148.3, p < .01) conditions. Results supported previous research suggesting that either a sudden decrease (Medium to Low) or increase (Low to Medium) in workload could be detrimental to performance (Cox-Fuenzalida, 2000). More importantly, this study extends the detrimental effects of workload history to a dual task environment.