Lecture Notes: Attention in Cognitive Ergonomics

Introduction to Attention

• Attention is crucial in cognitive ergonomics.
• Previous lecture discussed the visual system and its relation to attention.
• Central visual field (cones) is where we usually focus attention.
• Peripheral attention: ability to detect salient stimuli in the periphery (visual/auditory).

Types of Attention

• Selective Attention: Selecting relevant information and ignoring irrelevant.
  • Example: Cocktail party effect.
• Executive Function: Manages attention, deciding what to focus on.
• Other types: Divided attention and sustained attention (to be discussed in future lectures).

Attention in Human Factors and Ergonomics

• Limited attention impacts task efficiency and safety.
• Importance in various fields: driving, healthcare, manufacturing.
• Example: Navy reverted to knobs/dials from touchscreens due to attentional issues.

Research Study in Human Systems Lab

• Study on assembly task performance with/without added cognitive workload.
• Results: Increased completion time and muscle activity with higher cognitive demands.

Selective Attention and Models

• Selective attention functions like a lens focusing on salient stimuli.
• Broadbent's Model: Attention as a filter.
  • Sensory information filtered based on relevance.
  • Criticism: Cocktail party effect suggests that non-attended, salient info can break through.
• Treisman's Model: Attention as an attenuator.
  • Messages not fully blocked but weakened unless salient.
  • Concept of activation thresholds for different stimuli.

Concepts of Attentional Capacity

• Cognitive system has limited capacity, akin to a water bottle.
• Capacity varies with time, fatigue, task demands.
• Task demands can be cognitive, perceptual, motor, or a combination.

Stroop Task: Measuring Selective Attention

• Participants respond to ink color of words that may/may not match the word itself.
• Congruent vs. incongruent conditions affect speed and accuracy.

Executive Functions

• Role: Manage attention, inhibit irrelevant stimuli.
• Associated with prefrontal cortex.
• Dysfunction leads to issues in planning, prioritizing, social behavior.
  • Examples: Tourette's syndrome, autism spectrum disorders.

Conclusion

• Attention is integral to cognitive ergonomics and daily tasks.
• Future lecture will cover divided and sustained attention.