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THE EFFECTS OF STRESS AND AUTOMATION ON PERFORMANCE IN A SIMULATED WINTER DRIVE

FUNKE, GREGORY J
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1099610041

Abstract Details

2004, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Psychology.
The effects of task–induced stress and vehicle automation on drivers’ performance efficiency and mood state were assessed. This combination of driving variables is likely to play a key role in automotive safety in the future as in-vehicle technology increases (Walker, Stanton & Young, 2001) and their effects may be synergistic (Matthews, 2002). Two levels of task induced stress (stress induction, no stress induction) were combined factorially with three levels of vehicle automation (free-driving, lead-following, automated-driving) to produce six experimental conditions (N = 28 per condition equated for sex). Participants in the stress induction condition were exposed initially to a simulated winter drive wherein they were subjected to episodes of loss of vehicle control due to an icy road. Participants in the no stress induction condition drove the same course, but were not exposed to such loss of control. Following the stress induction phase of the drive, all participants experienced a test phase in which they were required to drive a second course consisting of a single straight road. During that phase, participants drove in the automated condition to which they were assigned. Driver performance during the test phase was assessed both during single-task driving and a dual-task situation which required them to monitor the roadway for potential pedestrian hazards. Participants completed the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ, Matthews, et al.., 1999; 2002) a well-validated measure of subjective mood state that encompasses a modified version of the NASA-Task Load Index, a standard measure of the perceived mental workload associated with a task (Wickens & Hollands, 2000). The stress induction manipulation elevated participants’ reports of distress and perceived workload, but had little effect on performance efficiency. In contrast, automation had a facilitative effect on driver performance in terms of deviations in lane position, longitudinal speed, and the number of correct secondary task detections, but had little impact upon mood state and workload. While stress and automation are potential human factors issues in driving, the results of this study suggest that they may operate independently rather than synergistically.
Dr. Gerald Matthews (Advisor)
112 p.
Psychology, Experimental
automation; stress; driving

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • FUNKE, G. J. (2004). THE EFFECTS OF STRESS AND AUTOMATION ON PERFORMANCE IN A SIMULATED WINTER DRIVE [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1099610041

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • FUNKE, GREGORY. THE EFFECTS OF STRESS AND AUTOMATION ON PERFORMANCE IN A SIMULATED WINTER DRIVE. 2004. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1099610041.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • FUNKE, GREGORY. "THE EFFECTS OF STRESS AND AUTOMATION ON PERFORMANCE IN A SIMULATED WINTER DRIVE." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1099610041

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.