Multiple Task Environment Research Articles

The Effects of Operator Control of Task Allocation in a Multiple-Task Environment

The Effects of Operator Control of Task Allocation in a Multiple-Task Environment

Computer-Based Performance Monitoring and Productivity in a Multiple Task Environment

Computer-based performance monitoring (CPM) provides managers with the ability to continuously, and unobtrusively, monitor the work performed by their employees. This paper examines the impact that CPM has on productivity when people are monitored on only a portion of the work that they perform. In a simulated work setting, subjects worked on two computerized tasks, and were led to believe that their work on one, both, or none of the tasks would be electronically monitored. People who were monitored only on a relatively simple task tended to work at a faster rate on both their monitored and non-monitored tasks, in comparison to people who were not monitored at all. People who were monitored only on a task that was more moderate in level of difficulty did not work any faster or more accurately than people who were not monitored. The results of the current study suggests that under certain conditions, employees may not discriminate between monitored and non-monitored work. Recommendations are offered to managers who are considering implementing CPM in their workplace.

Speech Responses and Dual-Task Performance: Better Time-Sharing or Asymmetric Transfer?

It has been proposed that using speech controls could improve time-sharing efficiency in environments previously dominated by manual controls (e.g., military aviation). However, it has been suggested that the research supporting the use of speech controls was potentially contaminated by asymmetric transfer. The present study examined the value of speech controls in a dual-task experiment that also evaluated asymmetric transfer effects. Despite significant effects supporting the advantage of mixing manual and speech responses, there was no evidence of asymmetric transfer. Thus although asymmetric transfer remains an experimental design concern, it is not a sufficient explanation for the observed response modality effects. The results suggested that speech controls can be used to enhance performance in operational multiple-task environments.

Memory-Encoding Strategies and Concurrent-Task Practice: New Implications for Complex Skill Training

This study investigates memory-encoding strategies in a multiple-task environment. Eighty subjects solved mental arithmetic and trigram items in a transfer of training study. During training, practice load and variety were manipulated between groups. During transfer, the subjects solved rehearsed and novel items under single-, dual- and triple-task loads. Both main and interactive effects for practice load and variety were found. Variety influenced solution times for new and rehearsed items and these effects were moderated by practice load within levels of task load. The results are discussed within the framework of memory-encoding strategies, as applied to the design of training in complex systems.

How to Reduce Manual Response Interference in the Multiple Task Environment

Abstract Three groups of women performed two independent tasks at the same time. Both required a manual response. All groups performed the same response with the right-hand; with the left-hand the response was either, depending on the group, identical to the right hand (depressing a button), similar (pushing a lever) or different (rotating a knob). The amount of interference between the two tasks was found to depend on the similarity of the movements required by the two hands to execute their appropriate responses. This effect was present whether the execution of the secondary response coincided with the primary response, preceded it or followed it. Thus a response can be inhibited by the fact that a similar response has just been made, or by the knowledge that a similar response will have to be made in the near future. It appears that performance in multitask environments where the operator is under speed stress will be impaired if operators are required to make similar responses on independent tasks.