Vigilance Decrement Research Articles

Vigilance to Spatialized Auditory Displays: Initial Assessment of Performance and Workload.

The present study was designed to evaluate human performance and workload associated with an auditory vigilance task that required spatial discrimination of auditory stimuli. Spatial auditory displays have been increasingly developed and implemented into settings that require vigilance toward auditory spatial discrimination and localization (e.g., collision avoidance warnings). Research has yet to determine whether a vigilance decrement could impede performance in such applications. Participants completed a 40-minute auditory vigilance task in either a spatial discrimination condition or a temporal discrimination condition. In the spatial discrimination condition, participants differentiated sounds based on differences in spatial location. In the temporal discrimination condition, participants differentiated sounds based on differences in stimulus duration. Correct detections and false alarms declined during the vigilance task, and each did so at a similar rate in both conditions. The overall level of correct detections did not differ significantly between conditions, but false alarms occurred more frequently within the spatial discrimination condition than in the temporal discrimination condition. NASA-TLX ratings and pupil diameter measurements indicated no differences in workload. Results indicated that tasks requiring auditory spatial discrimination can induce a vigilance decrement; and they may result in inferior vigilance performance, compared to tasks requiring discrimination of auditory duration. Vigilance decrements may impede performance and safety in settings that depend on sustained attention to spatial auditory displays. Display designers should also be aware that auditory displays that require users to discriminate differences in spatial location may result in poorer discrimination performance than non-spatial displays.

Pupillometry as a Window into Young Children's Sustained Attention.

Sustained attention is critical to cognition, social competence, and academic success. Importantly, sustained attention undergoes significant development over the early childhood period. Yet, how sustained attention fluctuates over time on task has not been clearly outlined, particularly in young children. In this study, we provide a first test of whether the pupillary response can be used as an indicator of moment-to-moment sustained attention over time on task in young children. Children aged 5 to 7 years (N = 41) completed a psychomotor vigilance task, where they were asked to press a button as fast as possible at the onset of a target stimulus. We measured reaction times over the course of the task, pupil size prior to target onset (baseline pupil size), and pupil size in response to target onset (task-evoked pupil size). The results showed a stereotypical vigilance decrement in children's response times: as time on task increased, reaction times increased. Critically, children's task-evoked pupil size decreased over time on task, while no such change was present in baseline pupil size. These results suggest that young children's waning sustained attention may be linked to a decrease in alertness while overall arousal is maintained. We discuss the importance of leveraging pupillometry to understand the mechanisms of sustained attention over individuals and development.

The next generation of fatigue prediction models: evaluating current trends in biomathematical modelling

Biomathematical models (BMMs) are parametric models that quantitatively predict fatigue and are routinely implemented in fatigue risk management systems in increasingly diverse workplaces. There have been consistent calls for an improved ‘next generation’ of BMMs that provide more accurate and targeted predictions of human fatigue. This article examines the core characteristics of next-generation advancements in BMMs, including tailoring with field data, individual-level parameter tuning and real-time fatigue prediction, extensions to account for additional factors that influence fatigue, and emerging nonparametric methodologies that may augment or provide alternatives to BMMs. Examination of past literature and quantitative examples suggests that there are notable challenges to advancing BMMs beyond their current applications. Adoption of multi-model frameworks, including quantitative joint modelling and machine-learning, was identified as crucial to next-generation models. We close with general recommendations for researchers, practitioners, and model developers, including focusing research efforts on understanding the cognitive dynamics underpinning fatigue-related vigilance decrements, applying emerging dynamic modelling methods to fatigue data from field settings, and improving the adoption of open scientific practices in fatigue research.

Quantitative description of cognitive fatigue in repetitive monotonous tasks

There is strong qualitative empirical evidence in the scientific literature that, due to cognitive fatigue, workers performing repetitive and monotonous tasks are characterized by a gradual deterioration in their performance abilities as the time-on-task increases, a phenomenon known as the vigilance decrement. Using a time-dependent Sisyphus random climb model, we provide a quantitative description of this intriguing phenomenon. In particular, we use analytical techniques in order to determine the success probability function S(t;N) of Sisyphus workers, the time-dependent fraction of workers who succeed, after making t repetitive operations or less, to complete their task by making N successful operations in a row without a single fault in between. It is explicitly shown that the functional behavior of the increasing-in-time one-operation tumble probability 1−s(t) of exhausted Sisyphus workers may have a dramatic effect on the probability of the workers to achieve their ultimate goal in repetitive monotonous processes. In particular, we prove that the Sisyphus random climb model with the inverse power law functional behavior s(t)∼t−1/N of the one-operation success probability marks the boundary between Sisyphus workers whose success functions S[t;s(t),N] approach 1 asymptotically in time (implying that all the workers eventually complete their task) and Sisyphus workers whose success functions approach an asymptotic value which is less than 1, in which case some of the exhausted Sisyphus workers never complete their task successfully.

Temporal changes in ERP amplitudes during sustained performance of the Attention Network Test

This study aimed to use Event-Related Potential (ERP) data to investigate how multiple attentional networks might contribute to vigilance decrement, based on Petersen and Posner's (2012) model of networks for executive control, alerting, and spatial orienting. The networks may differ in their sensitivity to effects of time on task. Based on the theory of attentional networks and previous findings, it was hypothesized that temporal decrements would be found in executive control and alerting networks. 102 participants (53 females) performed a version of the Attention Network Test (ANT) that was modified to require a prolonged period of continuous performance of approximately 70 min during electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. ERP amplitudes were measured in task conditions associated with executive control, alerting, and spatial orienting networks were measured across three consecutive task stages. N100 and P300 amplitudes were used to assess early selective attention and later target discrimination, respectively. Results largely replicated previous findings on ERP responses to the ANT. Amplitudes of the N100 wave and P300 declined over time in multiple conditions, consistent with increasing vulnerability to vigilance decrement. Evidence from cue × stage interactions suggested a temporal decrement in alerting processes, indicated by N100 amplitude, but behavioral data did not show any impairment specific to alerting. By contrast, there was a correspondence between a modest decline in frontal P300 amplitude seen in a no cue condition and slowing of response in this condition. A full explanation for vigilance decrement in terms of attention networks remains elusive. However, the current data suggest that parietal N100 and frontal P300 index two distinct processes that may contribute to loss of alertness and vigilance, depending on task demands.

Toward a Curiosity Mindset: Reframing the Problem of Student Disengagement from Classroom Instruction

Reduced student engagement in formal instruction is a problem that pervades classrooms across the educational spectrum. Students have been shown to commonly experience the negative emotions of boredom and inattentiveness (Bunce, Flens, & Neiles, 2010; Mann & Robinson, 2009; Young, Robinson, & Alberts, 2011) as well as vigilance decrement (Grier et al., 2003). Studies have revealed that more than 40% of high-school students usually remain disengaged from learning (Usher and Kober, 2012) and few (as little as 8%) reach a developmental level characterized by intrinsic motivation, attention, and effort (Lawson & Masyn, 2015; Scherrer & Preckel, 2018). Because student interest in the instructional topics and pedagogical activities rapidly decreases or is completely lost, students withdraw their attention from instruction in favor of off-task behaviors such as daydreaming, doodling, or inappropriate use of technology (Adams, 2006; Bugeja, 2007; Fink, 2010; Gilroy, 2004; Nworie & Haughton, 2008). Despite teachers’ best efforts, maintaining high levels of student interest during class time and avoiding disengagement from the learning process constitutes a challenging pedagogical endeavor, particularly in the context of classroom discussions and lectures (Lemke, 1990; Nunn, 1996).

Effect of the User Input Method on Response Time and Accuracy in a Binary Data Labeling Task

This study compares response time and accuracy in a binary data labeling task on two platforms: a desktop computer and a mobile phone. Three methods were used on the computer: a keyboard, a mouse, and a mouse with perceptual variability that was designed to combat vigilance decrement. Three additional methods were used on the mobile phone: a tap, a swipe touch-gesture, and a tap with perceptual variability. Results of the study show that the fastest was the keyboard, which may explain its popularity in labeling tasks. The second fastest was the tap interface, suggesting the unexploited potential of mobile devices for “labeling while waiting for the bus.” In terms of accuracy, we found clear evidence for a speed–accuracy tradeoff, and the advantage of the perceptual variability methods to be more accurate than the matching methods without perceptual variability. The results suggest that different user input methods should be employed depending on whether response time or accuracy is more valued.

The neuroelectrophysiological and behavioral effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on executive vigilance under a continuous monotonous condition.

A prolonged period of vigilance task will lead to vigilance decrement and a drop in cognitive efficiency. Although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to improve cognitive performance following vigilance decrement, the findings in this area of study are inconsistent. This study aims to identify the neuroelectrophysiological and behavioral effects of tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on executive vigilance under a continuous monotonous condition. We recruited 29 participants who randomly received 30 min active or sham tDCS before the vigilance task (anode electrode at the left DLPFC, cathode electrode at the right supraorbital area). Participants completed four sessions of vigilance task and five sessions of self-report sleepiness, Oddball task, and Go/Nogo task, for a total of about 5 h. EEG was acquired in real-time throughout the experiment. Repeated measures of ANOVA were utilized to analyze the evolution of each metric with task-on-time. The results demonstrated that subjective arousal state, vigilance performance, event-related potentials (ERPs), and EEG power were significantly affected by time on task. Brain stimulation did not significantly affect the evolution of subjective and objective executive vigilance performance, but significantly modulated spontaneous activity in the alpha and beta bands across the entire brain. The continuous enhancement of the prefrontal cortex increased P2 amplitude for the Oddball task, which was associated with the enhancement of the early stage of information processing. P3 amplitude had a temporary enhancement effect, which significantly decreased following a cognitive fatigue. tDCS had a continuous enhancement effect on N2 amplitude for the Go/Nogo task, which was associated with the enhanced inhibition of distracting stimuli. Together, the current data suggest that anodal tDCS over left DLPFC possibly enhances the early stage of relevant information processing and the inhibitory control of distracting stimuli during a continuous and monotonous vigilance task.

Physiological Measurements of Vigilance: A Systematic Review

Vigilance is the ability to sustain attention for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Maintaining vigilance over a prolonged duration is challenging, and the ability to do so generally declines over time; This is a phenomenon that is known as “vigilance decrement.” Vigilance decrement is often associated with physiological changes. Although previous studies have examined the relationship between physiological responses and vigilance decrement, the results are inconsistent and the trends are not sufficiently clear. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive overview of the existing results, in this paper, we review the most recent studies focusing on physiological changes as indicators of vigilance decrement. We consider electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), eye movement, and electromyography (EMG). We present an overview of the overall relationship between these measures and vigilance levels; we also highlight the limitations and challenges of previous studies and provide some insight into future research directions in this field.

An Online Method to Study Remote Operation of Automated Vehicles

Remote operation is an emerging technical component of vehicle automation. One scenario could be a remote operator monitors the functioning of automation and take over vehicle control whenever needed. As the operator may face challenges such as degraded situation awareness or vigilance decrement, it is important to understand operator performance in a variety of takeover scenarios. This study presents an effort to create an online method for studying remote takeover performance. In this study, participants were presented with simulated driving videos and were required to indicate when they felt a takeover was needed. To ensure quality data collection in an online procedure, we made specific considerations when implementing the study. In this paper, we address these considerations and present preliminary data. Our findings suggest that operators may be less able to detect certain automation failures such as disobedience of road signs, and the online method could be useful although with limitations.

Countering Driver Vigilance Decrement for Partially Automated Vehicles

Countering Driver Vigilance Decrement for Partially Automated Vehicles

Safety Frameworks for Emerging Technologies

New and advancing technologies bring capabilities to current systems and tools expected to improve safety, efficiency, or impact within their respective domain. To ensure such emerging technologies are implemented as to not negatively disrupt a system but empower it, the new design is analyzed using any variety of methods. Unfortunately, most process industry and transportation accidents have a human error component, despite methods to predict when errors will occur based on the technology design. The prospect of anticipating human error traps becomes even more challenging for emerging technologies when implemented in a hybrid or mixed-generation system. Since human error remains a threat to system safety, this panel was convened to review existing and planned safety frameworks to evaluate the impact emergent technologies have on human behavior. Of special interest are techniques that predict when technology will lead to degraded human behavior leading to error (including vigilance decrement, poor failure detection, a lack of currency, automation complacency, etc.). Safety frameworks that can anticipate system states and provide robust, resilient human-system responses to novel situations are an essential part of future system design.

Influences of Combined Use of Level 2 Automated Driving and Manual Driving on Vigilance Decrements in Long Time Driving

Influences of Combined Use of Level 2 Automated Driving and Manual Driving on Vigilance Decrements in Long Time Driving

Relationship Between Level of Automated Driving and Vigilance Decrements in Long-Time Driving

Relationship Between Level of Automated Driving and Vigilance Decrements in Long-Time Driving

Effect of Chewing Gum on Prevention of Vigilance Decrement in Manual and Autonomous Driving

Effect of Chewing Gum on Prevention of Vigilance Decrement in Manual and Autonomous Driving

Effects of Simultaneous Presentation of Tactile and Auditory Stimulus on Prevention of Vigilance Decrements in Manual and Autonomous Driving

Effects of Simultaneous Presentation of Tactile and Auditory Stimulus on Prevention of Vigilance Decrements in Manual and Autonomous Driving

An Attempt to Evaluate Vigilance Decrements in Automated and Manual Driving

An Attempt to Evaluate Vigilance Decrements in Automated and Manual Driving

Driver Vigilance Decrement is More Severe During Automated Driving than Manual Driving.

The present study compared the performance, workload, and stress associated with driver vigilance in two types of vehicle: a traditional, manually operated vehicle, and a partially automated vehicle. Drivers of partially automated vehicles must monitor for hazards that constitute automation failures and the need for human intervention, but recent research indicates that a driver's ability to do so declines as a function of time. That research lacked a comparison measure of driving without vehicle automation, so it is unknown to what degree these effects are specific symptoms of monitoring the roadway during an automated drive. Drivers in manual control of their vehicle must similarly monitor for hazards and may suffer similar vigilance decrements. Participants completed a simulated 40-minute drive while monitoring for hazards. Half of participants completed the drive with an automated driving system that maintained speed and lane position; the remaining half manually controlled the vehicle's speed and lane position. Driver sensitivity to hazards decreased and tendency to make false alarms increased over time in the automated control condition, but not in the manual control condition. Drivers in both conditions detected fewer hazards as the drive progressed. Ratings of workload and task-induced stress were elevated similarly in both conditions. Partially automated driving appears to uniquely impair driver vigilance by reducing the ability to discriminate between benign and dangerous events in the driving environment as the drive progresses. Applied interventions should target improvements in driver sensitivity to hazardous situations that signal potential automation failures.

Electrocortical correlates of the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and sustained attention in young adults

Cardiorespiratory fitness is thought to be positively related to sustained attention. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship have yet to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to i) explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and sustained attention in 72 young adults (18–37 years old) and ii) provide insight on the electrocortical dynamics supporting sustained attention performance in individuals differing in cardiorespiratory fitness by means of EEG topographic analyses and source localization. Behaviorally, cardiorespiratory fitness was related to faster response times and higher accuracy in the psychomotor vigilance task even when adjusting the model with confounding variables such as age, body mass index and chronic physical activity. However, there was no relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and the classic vigilance decrement observed in the sustained attention task. At the electrocortical level, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was related to increased global field power (310–333 ms poststimulus) localized in the posterior cingulate cortex (BA 30) followed by changes in scalp topographies around the P3b ERP component (413–501 ms poststimulus), which corresponded to earlier activation of the supplementary motor areas (BA 6). This is the first study using high-density EEG, which harnesses the whole spatiotemporal dynamics of the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and sustained attention in young adults.

Modality Changes in Vigilance Displays: Further Evidence of Supramodal Resource Depletion in Vigilance.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a modality change on vigilance performance to determine whether depletion of modality-specific resources contributes to the vigilance decrement. Resource theory accounts for the vigilance decrement by arguing that the demands of vigilance deplete limited information processing resources. Research indicates that both supramodal and modality-specific resources are involved in vigilance, but it is unclear whether the vigilance decrement is due to depletion of supramodal resources, modality-specific resources, or both. If depletion of modality-specific resources contributes to the decrement, changing the modality of a vigilance display should improve vigilance performance after a decrement. Participants completed a 50-min vigilance task beginning in either the visual modality or the auditory modality. After 40-min, half of the participants experienced a sudden transition to the other modality; the remaining participants did not experience a modality change. Performance declined over time and was generally superior in the auditory modality. Changing modality from visual to auditory increased correct detections, whereas changing from auditory to visual decreased correct detections. Both types of modality change were associated with an increase in false alarms, and neither had an effect on workload or stress. Supramodal resource depletion, rather than modality-specific resource depletion, is the most likely explanation for the vigilance decrement that can be derived from resource theory. Modality changes are not likely to counteract the vigilance decrement and may actually increase false alarm errors. Countermeasure development should involve identification of depleted supramodal resources.