Head J, Tenan MS, Tweedell AJ, Wilson KM, Helton WS. Response Complexity Reduces Errors on a Response Inhibition Task.
HUMAN FACTORS 2020;
62:787-799. [PMID:
31237776 DOI:
10.1177/0018720819852801]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the role of button-response complexity to targets in a response inhibition task.
BACKGROUND
Response inhibition is the ability to correctly inhibit an overt response to a target. The U.S. military is actively pursuing development of armed, combat robots as a force multiplier, which may present challenges to operators of combat robots in the form of response inhibition errors.
METHOD
A total of 15 participants completed two 51-min versions of a modified sustained attention to response task (SART). Participants were outfitted with an electrocardiogram to index heart-rate variability and completed the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) to index workload.
RESULTS
The results demonstrated that the complex SART reduced errors of commission (4%) and slowed response times (874 ms) to correct Go targets relative to the simple SART (14%, 739 ms). The NASA-TLX did not show differences between the modified SARTs; however, heart-rate variability did demonstrate that Soldiers had an increased autonomic stress response to the complex SART.
CONCLUSION
Increasing the behavioral response requirement during a response inhibition task can decrease errors of commission; however, it comes at the cost of slower response times to target stimuli. Heart-rate variability may provide better insight into objective workload relative to subjective measures.
APPLICATION
The use of complex behavioral responses may provide a viable option to reduce potential "friendly fire" or collateral damage by Soldiers remotely engaging a target-rich environment.
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