Potential Distraction Research Articles

Realistic details impact learners independently of split-attention effects

Realistic visualizations are considered to introduce the risk of distracting learners from relevant information. In two experiments, the interplay between realism and a known form of distraction, the split-attention effect, were investigated. This effect describes that spatially separating relevant information can have a substantial negative effect on learning. The experiments were conducted using short anatomy learning tasks to test whether a combination of realism and split attention would lead to the worst retention performance or, alternatively, whether realism can counteract the negative effects of split attention. The first experiment (n = 125) revealed that realism attenuated the cognitive load induced by split attention, suggesting a compensatory effect of realism (i.e., realism may have helped learners to deal with the detrimental influence of split attention). However, retention performance was not impacted in a similar way, indicating that this compensatory effect on subjective cognitive load may actually be the result of learners’ illusion that realistic details are helpful. Split attention significantly reduced retention performance. Experiment 2 (n = 152) resulted in negative effects of realism and split attention on retention. In sum, the experiments suggest that realistic details can affect learners independently of other visual design factors as exemplified by the split-attention effect. Thus, the assumption that realism is likely to distract learners is rendered implausible by the experiments, as the distraction of split attention should have amplified any distractive potential of realistic details. However, the results also suggest that the effects of realism on learning are still somewhat unpredictable.

On the relationship between occlusion times and in-car glance durations in simulated driving

Drivers have spare visual capacity in driving, and often this capacity is used for engaging in secondary in-car tasks. Previous research has suggested that the spare visual capacity could be estimated with the occlusion method. However, the relationship between drivers’ occlusion times and in-car glance duration preferences has not been sufficiently investigated for granting occlusion times the role of an estimate of spare visual capacity. We conducted a driving simulator experiment (N = 30) and investigated if there is an association between drivers’ occlusion times and in-car glance durations in a given driving scenario. Furthermore, we explored which factors and variables could explain the strength of the association. The findings suggest an association between occlusion time preferences and in-car glance durations in visually and cognitively low demanding unstructured tasks but that this association is lost if the in-car task is more demanding. The findings might be explained by the inability to utilize peripheral vision for lane-keeping when conducting in-car tasks and/or by in-car task structures that override drivers’ preferences for the in-car glance durations. It seems that the occlusion technique could be utilized as an estimate of drivers’ spare visual capacity in research – but with caution. It is strongly recommended to use occlusion times in combination with driving performance metrics. There is less spare visual capacity if this capacity is used for secondary tasks that interfere with the driver’s ability to utilize peripheral vision for driving or preferences for the in-car glance durations. However, we suggest that the occlusion method can be a valid method to control for inter-individual differences in in-car glance duration preferences when investigating the visual distraction potential of, for instance, in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Measuring workload effects of augmented reality head-up displays using detection response task

Augmented reality (AR) technology could establish direct relationships between displayed information and objects in the real driving environment, e.g. by highlighting relevant objects in the traffic environment. However, it is unclear how these potential benefits of augmentation affect drivers’ distraction from the driving task and their level of workload. Since gaze detection cannot separate glances at AR-elements from glances at the driving scene, new evaluation criteria are needed for measuring the distraction potential of AR-elements. The paper evaluates a methodology based on the Detection Response Task (DRT) for measuring the distraction and workload effects of three different display technologies: Head-Down Display (HDD), Head-Up Display (HUD), and Augmented-Reality HUD (AR-HUD). The DRT measures cognitive and visual workload based on a recognition-response task using the two parameters, reaction time and misses. Two experimental studies using driving simulation (N = 24) and production vehicles in real traffic (N = 24) are reported. As use cases, the subjects had to navigate through an urban traffic environment and pass different intersections. During that they were assisted by navigation systems based on the above mentioned display technologies. The resulting workload is compared to a baseline drive without the need to navigate and a reference drive in which the subjects had to work on a secondary task while driving. The results of the DRT are compared with subjective measures, gaze behaviour, and driving performance. In addition, drivers’ preference and user experience regarding the three display technologies and their feedback concerning the DRT method were assessed. The results of both experimental studies show that drivers prefer the AR-HUD display technology. Reasons are mainly the hedonic aspects of the AR-HUD such as the novelty of the technology. Nevertheless, drivers report that AR-elements could obstruct important areas of the road and distract more from the driving task than HUDs. The subjective and visual-cognitive workload measured by the DRT do not differ between the HMI conditions. An analysis for each type of intersection yields most misses for the AR-HUD condition and fewest misses in the HDD condition. However, visual workload (i.e. eyes-off-road time) is higher for HDD compared to (AR-)HUD. Feedback by participants reveals that the DRT as a method for workload assessment is well accepted. All in all, the two DRT measures, misses and reaction time, allow a valid and objective workload measurement and could serve as a supplement or substitute for gaze analysis. The discussion gives indications for the measurement of workload effects caused by AR-HUD using DRT.

The Impact of Self-Regulated Learning on Academic Performance in High School Students

Many studies have found a strong correlation between academic performance and self-regulated learning (SRL). However, few studies have been conducted on high school students, fewer still examined specific SRL strategies instead of general themes or categories, and almost no studies considered the role that digital technology might play in SRL. This study uses data collected through an anonymous mixed-methods survey given to students at a rural high school. This survey collected information on both SRL strategies students use, and their GPA, used as a measure of academic performance. A portion on the survey focused on how students use digital technology, both for potential distraction and for SRL. Data on SRL strategies and digital technology use was sorted into categories by question, averaged, and then correlated with GPA to determine how certain strategies impacted academic performance, and how digital tool use or digital distraction impacted academic performance. This study found that most SRL strategies that correlated with academic success fell under two key modes: form-based studying and self-adaptive studying. In addition, while digital tool use did not correlate strongly with SRL, it correlated negatively with digital distraction. With this understanding, this study finds that there are distinct types of SRL implementation. Educators should consider this, adapting to student preferences when assisting with SRL implementation. Future research should also investigate the relative impact certain SRL skills or subcategories have over others.

Briefings: what can surgical and minimally invasive interventional teams learn from airline flight deck practice?

While healthcare should not be compared to aviation or indeed other high reliability organisations (HROs), many lessons, attitudes, and transferable practices can be applied and, more importantly, adapted from them to improve patient safety and team morale. The team brief before any interventional list is one such process that can have a significant effect on the delivery and safety of patient care and effective team working. Due to NHS pressures and the perception by some in healthcare that the time taken to conduct a full team briefing has little importance, it can sometimes be rushed or regarded as a ‘tick box’ process that delays a list. However, when used appropriately, the briefing is a chance to lower authority gradients and thereby improve patient safety. It also reduces the likelihood of medical errors, builds and improves situational awareness by considering various ‘what-if’ scenarios and how they will be dealt with, and considers wider issues including potential distractions. An important outcome is its effect on team morale through empowerment, and it is an opportunity for learning. In this article, which has been written following a unique opportunity to observe a full team brief on an Airbus A380 flight deck, we consider how, through the thorough use of checklists, briefings can be used to best advantage for interventional teams. We raise the question ‘would you engage differently with the briefing if your own life or procedure depended on it?’

Memory training with the method of loci for children and adolescents with ADHD—A feasibility study

The aim of this study was to investigate if training with the memory technique Method of Loci (MoL) is feasible for children and adolescents with ADHD. Twelve children (aged 9–17 years) with ADHD participated. Training with MoL was done using a mobile application, memorizing a sequence of 20–80 pictures, intended to be carried out five times per week for 4 weeks. Feasibility was assessed with pre- and post-intervention ratings, and with interviews after the training. Qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. Those who trained with MoL performed better on memory test and reported fewer ADHD symptoms after completing the training, as compared to their baseline levels. All of these children would recommend the training to peers but the duration of training varied considerably. The participants and their parents reported that the MoL training was easy and fun to use, although lack of motivation, distractions in every-day life, and lack of routines created challenges. We conclude that training with MoL was considered feasible by most of the participants. Future research should try to make the intervention more acceptable by motivating the participants and limiting potential distractions and involving larger study groups and controls to study the efficacy of the training.

Coping emotional discomfort at retail checkout: Potential distractions and implications

Retail customers often wait to complete their purchases during the checkout process. Prior research suggests that long checkout lines and service delays negatively affect customers’ evaluation of store services. The present study investigates the potential customer and in-store distractions and their implication for emotional discomfort due to crowding stress. This study employed a cross-sectional research design and surveyed 385 respondents visiting the target retail outlets in Bengaluru, India. Correlation analysis explored the relationship between self-distraction, in-store distractions, and emotional discomfort. The study found that self-distraction negatively correlates with discomfort while in the queue (r = –0.119) and discomfort during the billing (r = –0.119). In contrast, in-store distractions (r = –0.161) and video displays near the checkout area (r = 0.116) effectively reduce emotional discomfort while in the queue. Additionally, point-of-purchase (POP) display (r = –0.265) and availability of refreshments near the billing counter (r = –0.175) are effective in reducing emotional discomfort during the billing. This study thus offers viable and affordable methods of improving the customer’s waiting experience while contributing to store profits.

Distractions in the operating room: a survey of the healthcare team.

BackgroundDistractions during surgical procedures are associated with team inefficiency and medical error. Little is published about the healthcare provider’s perception of distraction and its adverse impact in the operating room. We aim to explore the perception of the operating room team on multiple distractions during surgical procedures.MethodsA 26-question survey was administered to surgeons, anesthesia team members, nurses, and scrub technicians at our institution. Respondents were asked to identify and rank multiple distractions and indicate how each distraction might affect the flow of surgery.ResultsThere was 160 responders for a response rate of 19.18% (160/834), of which 71 (44.1%) male and 82 (50.9%) female, 48 (29.8%) surgeons, 59 (36.6%) anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and 53 (32.9%) OR nurses and scrub technicians. Responders were classified into a junior group (< 10 years of experience) and a senior group (≥ 10 years). Auditory distraction followed by equipment were the most distracting factors in the operating room. All potential auditory distractions in this survey were associated with higher percentage of certain level of negative impact on the flow of surgery except for music. The top 5 distractors belonged to equipment and environment categories. Phone calls/ pagers/ beepers and case relevant communications were consistently among the top 5 most common distractors. Case relevant communications, music, teaching, and consultation were the top 4 most perceived positive impact on the flow of surgery. Distractors with higher levels of “bothersome” rating appeared to associate with a higher level of perceived negative impact on the flow of surgery. Vision was the least distracting factor and appeared to cause minimal positive impact on the flow of surgery.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first survey studying perception of surgery, anesthesia, and OR staff on various distractions in the operating room. Fewer unnecessary distractions might improve the flow of surgery, improve OR teamwork, and potentially improve patient outcomes. Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-022-09553-8.

CortexVR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using virtual reality and machine learning.

GoalThis paper presents an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system to analyze and train Executive Functions (EFs) of soccer players. EFs are important cognitive functions for athletes. They are a relevant quality that distinguishes amateurs from professionals.MethodThe system is based on immersive technology, hence, the user interacts naturally and experiences a training session in a virtual world. The proposed system has a modular design supporting the extension of various so-called game modes. Game modes combine selected game mechanics with specific simulation content to target particular training aspects. The system architecture decouples selection/parameterization and analysis of training sessions via a coaching app from an Unity3D-based VR simulation core. Monitoring of user performance and progress is recorded by a database that sends the necessary feedback to the coaching app for analysis.ResultsThe system is tested for VR-critical performance criteria to reveal the usefulness of a new interaction paradigm in the cognitive training and analysis of EFs. Subjective ratings for overall usability show that the design as VR application enhances the user experience compared to a traditional desktop app; whereas the new, unfamiliar interaction paradigm does not negatively impact the effort for using the application.ConclusionThe system can provide immersive training of EF in a fully virtual environment, eliminating potential distraction. It further provides an easy-to-use analyzes tool to compare user but also an automatic, adaptive training mode.

Investigating the Impact of Mounted Mobile Phones on Driving Behavior

Because the use of handheld mobile phones while driving is considered dangerous behavior, mounted mobile phones have emerged as an alternative. This study compared use of mounted with handheld mobile phones while driving and investigated the impact of mounted mobile phones on driving behavior. The behavior of receiving and making calls, and reading/sending text messages using mobile phones mounted on windshields, dashboards, vents, and cupholders while driving was observed. It was found that mounted mobile phones have less distraction potential than handheld mobile phones; however, they can distract the driver to the same degree, depending on the mounting position. In conclusion, a key factor that determines the potential distraction level of a mounted mobile phone while driving is the mounting position. The hands-free law should consider the mounting position of the mobile phone, rather than focus exclusively on manual interaction.

Using the Eye Tracking Method to Determine the Risk of Advertising Devices on Drivers’ Cognitive Perception

The paper focuses on road safety assessment. The main objective was to assess the impact of different types and sizes of advertising devices as a potential distraction for drivers. Distraction of driver’s attention in real traffic was evaluated using the “Wiener Fahrprobe” structured observation method. As a method for reliable data collection, the eye tracking method was used to accurately define the time delay caused by the observation of the advertising device. As part of the assessment of the direct impact on drivers, test runs were carried out with 40 drivers on a pre-defined section of road on which different types of advertising devices were present. As an additional, supporting measurement, a vehicle simulator was also used. From the obtained knowledge it was possible to create a unique classification system that can be used to assess the severity of any installed advertising device in general. In the case of distraction, it was found that dynamic advertising devices attract the most attention than conventional static devices and appear to be a significant risk to road safety.

The impact of COVID-19 on screening for colorectal, gastric, breast, and cervical cancer in Korea.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the utilization of healthcare services, including participation in cancer screening programs. We compared cancer screening participation rates for colorectal, gastric, breast, and cervical cancers among participants in the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in 2019 and 2020 to address the potential distraction effect of COVID-19 on cancer screening. Data from the NCSP for 4 cancer types (stomach, colorectal, breast, and cervical) in 2019 and 2020 were used to calculate cancer screening participation rates by calendar month, gender, age group, and geographical region. Monthly participation rates were analyzed per 1,000 eligible individuals. The screening participation rate decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 for all 4 cancers: colorectal (40.5 vs. 35.3%), gastric (61.9 vs. 54.6%), breast (63.8 vs. 55.8%), and cervical (57.8 vs. 52.2%) cancers. Following 2 major COVID-19 waves in March and December 2020, the participation rates in the 4 types of cancer screening dropped compared with those in 2019. The highest decline was observed in the elderly population aged 80 years and older (percentage change: -21% for colorectal cancer; -20% for gastric cancer; -26% for breast cancer; -20% for cervical cancer). After the 2 major COVID-19 waves, the screening participation rate for 4 types of cancer declined compared with 2019. Further studies are needed to identify the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients, such as delayed diagnoses of cancer or excess cancer deaths.

Literature Review for Office-Based Anesthesia

Literature Review for Office-Based Anesthesia

Urdu English Foreign Language Learners Voices Learning English Online During the COVID-19

The unprecedented closure of institutions and schools due to the current epidemic has renewed interest in entirely online education. During the COVID-19 outbreaks, this survey aimed to discover how Urdu EFL students felt about online learning. Written reflections were used to collect qualitative data from 40 Pakistani undergraduate students majoring in English, with five of them selected for a semi-structured interview on purpose. Because it was regarded appropriate during the current epidemic, the student participants had positive attitudes toward online learning. However, according to qualitative data analysis, they preferred to learn English in face-to-face classrooms. In addition, an unstable internet connection, a lack of contact and teacher explanations, and potential distractions impeded their online English learning. Participants also made recommendations, and a debate was held on the educational implications. Keywords: COVID-19, online learning, EFL learners, Reflections.

Beyond the smartphone's mere presence effect: A quantitative mobile eye tracking study on the visual and internal distraction potential of smartphones

Smartphones are a daily companion and ensure users' constant connectedness. In the context of focused work, however, smartphone presence may be problematic. Previous research has shown that even the mere presence of smartphones is distracting. The present study reexamined the smartphone's mere presence effect on performance. In addition, we investigated whether the mere presence of smartphones is visually distracting or creates smartphone-related thoughts. In a laboratory experiment, we compared participants (N = 103) with their smartphone present versus absent. Using mobile eye tracking glasses, we tracked how often people looked at their smartphone while performing cognitive and reading tasks. Our study could not replicate the negative effect of smartphone presence on performance. Results revealed that people rarely looked at their smartphones during the tasks. However, smartphones drew users' visual attention during breaks and transitions between tasks. We also showed that smartphone presence increased smartphone vigilance but had no effect on task performance. Our study contributes to understanding the underlying mechanisms of the smartphone's mere presence effects on performance. With this study, we extend previous research by showing that people can regulate their visual attention to smartphones.

Self-administered Web-Based Tests of Executive Functioning and Perceptual Speed: Measurement Development Study With a Large Probability-Based Survey Panel.

BackgroundCognitive testing in large population surveys is frequently used to describe cognitive aging and determine the incidence rates, risk factors, and long-term trajectories of the development of cognitive impairment. As these surveys are increasingly administered on internet-based platforms, web-based and self-administered cognitive testing calls for close investigation.ObjectiveWeb-based, self-administered versions of 2 age-sensitive cognitive tests, the Stop and Go Switching Task for executive functioning and the Figure Identification test for perceptual speed, were developed and administered to adult participants in the Understanding America Study. We examined differences in cognitive test scores across internet device types and the extent to which the scores were associated with self-reported distractions in everyday environments in which the participants took the tests. In addition, national norms were provided for the US population.MethodsData were collected from a probability-based internet panel representative of the US adult population—the Understanding America Study. Participants with access to both a keyboard- and mouse-based device and a touch screen–based device were asked to complete the cognitive tests twice in a randomized order across device types, whereas participants with access to only 1 type of device were asked to complete the tests twice on the same device. At the end of each test, the participants answered questions about interruptions and potential distractions that occurred during the test.ResultsOf the 7410 (Stop and Go) and 7216 (Figure Identification) participants who completed the device ownership survey, 6129 (82.71% for Stop and Go) and 6717 (93.08% for Figure Identification) participants completed the first session and correctly responded to at least 70% of the trials. On average, the standardized differences across device types were small, with the absolute value of Cohen d ranging from 0.05 (for the switch score in Stop and Go and the Figure Identification score) to 0.13 (for the nonswitch score in Stop and Go). Poorer cognitive performance was moderately associated with older age (the absolute value of r ranged from 0.32 to 0.61), and this relationship was comparable across device types (the absolute value of Cohen q ranged from 0.01 to 0.17). Approximately 12.72% (779/6123 for Stop and Go) and 12.32% (828/6721 for Figure Identification) of participants were interrupted during the test. Interruptions predicted poorer cognitive performance (P<.01 for all scores). Specific distractions (eg, watching television and listening to music) were inconsistently related to cognitive performance. National norms, calculated as weighted average scores using sampling weights, suggested poorer cognitive performance as age increased.ConclusionsCognitive scores assessed by self-administered web-based tests were sensitive to age differences in cognitive performance and were comparable across the keyboard- and touch screen–based internet devices. Distraction in everyday environments, especially when interrupted during the test, may result in a nontrivial bias in cognitive testing.

Echoes In Familiar Spaces: Audio Styling and the Audience’s Invitation to the Worlds of Limetown and Within The Wires

Podcasts are useful for influencing the way the audience thinks – audio drama especially lends itself to this application, with writers being able to cloak stronger political messages within the fictionalized worlds of their narratives. Podcasts like Limetown and Within The Wires can effectively tell stories about political and social issues through their involvement of the audience in the world of the work. The familiarity of the audience with the auditory styling of the podcast as well as the clear audio signposting used in both podcasts gives the audience a touchstone to their everyday life that makes it less strenuous to situate themselves in the fictional world and focus on the narrative despite other potential distractions. Through close listening examinations of both podcasts, I analyze and discuss the impact that the scripting and use of audio elements have on the audience's perception of the narrative and the implications for audio drama and podcasting as a whole. While Within the Wires is slightly more effective in the use of formats that are fairly universal in their recognizability to the audience, Limetown is more familiar to those who have listened to other podcasts before; this combined with Limetown's similarities to the critically acclaimed investigative journalism podcast Serial had significant impacts on each podcast's popularity.Keywords: podcasts, audio drama, Limetown, Within the Wires, Serial, audience perception

Where you look during golf putting makes no difference to skilled golfers (but what you look at might!): an examination of occipital EEG ɑ-power during target and ball focused aiming

ABSTRACT This study probed a psycho-motor switch between “attention” and “intention” using electroencephalography (EEG) of the occipital cortex during target versus ball focused aiming when golf putting. Specifically, we investigated (1) the pattern and power of ɑ-frequency between putting methods at 8 and 15 ft. distances and (2) the EEG activity for missed versus holed putts. Twelve highly skilled golfers executed 32 putts in total using both methods (i.e., 8 putts per condition) under naturalistic and competitive conditions. Putting performance (number of putts holed and distance from the hole) and EEG activity at −6 s, −4 s and −2 s before movement initiation were recorded. No performance difference was found for holed or missed putts between the putting methods at either distance (p > 0.05). Overall, EEG data revealed a significant time effect, with higher power at −2 s for all conditions apart from at the most challenging 15 ft. distance when using ball focused aiming, where the power decreased. For missed putts at either distance, there was twice the artefact and eye blink during ball compared to target focused aiming. Data suggest a more robust switch from attention to intention when preparing for execution with target focused aiming. Target focused aiming suggestively helps golfers to remove a potential distraction, such as from seeing the arms, hand and ball, rather than offering any distinct/different advantage to ball focused aiming. In other words, a distraction caused by what the golfer looks at rather than where gaze is directed.

All that glitters is not gold: An investigation into the undesired effects of gamification and how to mitigate them through gamification design

Although gamification has received considerable attention from both researchers and practitioners, its influence on consumers remains ambiguous. This paper proposes that a negative process through decreased attention and a positive process through increased enjoyment explain the effects of gamification on different outcome variables. Study 1 examines these two processes and gamification’s downstream consequences on purchase intention and product information recognition. For purchase intention, the two processes operate in parallel and produce a null effect of gamification. For product information recognition, only the negative process emerges, resulting in a negative effect of gamification. Studies 2 and 3 focus on the negative effect of gamification on product information recognition and show that the negative effect disappears in gamification designs that link the game elements with meaningful information about the product (Study 2) or make consumers aware of the distraction potential of game elements (Study 3). The studies’ findings provide managerial insights into why not all gamification endeavors yield the desired results; they also specify two boundary conditions (i.e., meaningfulness and disclosure) that may help managers avoid potentially detrimental effects of gamification.

Exploring the therapeutic opportunities, challenges and psychological mechanisms of integrating dogs into psychological therapies with adults

The therapeutic benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) are well-documented and AAT research often involves dogs. Despite growing research into the therapeutic value of therapy dogs' visitation within health and psychiatric contexts, research specifically into the integration of dogs into psychological therapies is limited. Current Dog Assisted Psychological Therapy (DAPT) research is novel and limited. DAPT research predominantly focuses on therapist perspectives and use quantitative or case study methodologies. Research into adults' experience of DAPT is limited. Therefore, this research explored the experiences of adults receiving DAPT, who self-identified as experiencing mental health difficulties. Specific aims were to gain a broad insight into the experienced opportunities, challenges and factors impacting participants' experience of therapy, to help inform the clinical implications of DAPT. Qualitative methodology was used by conducting semi-structured interviews with six participants sharing their experiences of DAPT. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) enabled exploration of important issues regarding participants' experiences. Five themes emerged: 1) Relationship with dog(s); 2) Providing a safe therapeutic atmosphere; 3) Distraction; 4) Facilitating personal insights; and 5) Concern for the dog's wellbeing. Relationships between the themes are illustrated, and the theoretical relevance to psychological models and clinical applications are discussed. This research demonstrated that, where clinically and ethically appropriate, DAPT can provide therapeutic opportunities to facilitate psychological therapies. The therapist's skills in managing interactions and potential distraction, the client's prior experiences of dogs and the dog's wellbeing are all important considerations to manage some of the identified challenges within DAPT. Further research is needed to inform practice guidelines, specifically in terms of which psychological models and patient groups DAPT might be best suited to, and further exploration of DAPT practice within different clinical and cultural populations.