Title
Improving target detection in visual search through the augmenting multi-sensory cues
Author
Hancock, P.A.
Mercado, J.E.
Merlo, J.
van Erp, J.B.F.
Publication year
2013
Abstract
The present experiment tested 60 individuals on a multiple screen, visual target detection task. Using a within-participant design, individuals received no-cue augmentation, an augmenting tactile cue alone, an augmenting auditory cue alone or both of the latter augmentations in combination. Results showed significant and substantive improvements in performance such that successful search speed was facilitated by more than 43%, errors of omission were reduced by 86% and errors of commission were reduced by more than 77% in the combinatorial cueing condition compared with the non-cued control. These outcomes were not a trade of performance efficiency for associated mental effort because recorded levels of cognitive workload were also reduced by more than 30% in the multi-cued circumstance compared with the control condition. When the tactile modality was incorporated it led to the highest gain in performance speed, when the auditory modality was incorporated, it led to the best levels of performance accuracy. The combined condition rendered the best of each from of performance increment. Reasons for this outcome pattern are discussed alongside their manifest practical benefits. Practitioner Summary: This experiment tested 60 individuals on a multiple screen, visual target detection task. Individuals received no-cue augmentation, tactile cue alone, an augmenting auditory cue alone or both of the latter augmentations in combination. Results showed significant and substantive improvements in the combinatorial cueing condition compared with the non-cued control. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Subject
Human
PCS - Perceptual and Cognitive Systems
BSS - Behavioural and Societal Sciences
Vision
Defence, Safety and Security
auditory cueing
augmented support
tactile cueing
target detection
visual search
auditory cueing
Auditory modality
Cognitive workloads
Errors of commissions
Performance efficiency
Successful search
Tactile cueing
Visual search
Errors
Target tracking
Experiments
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:12fc7674-a7f0-4aef-9651-6b8c952bfb13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2013.771219
TNO identifier
470528
Source
Ergonomics, 56 (6), 929-738
Bibliographical note
Version of record first published: 20 Mar 2013.
Document type
article