Citation

Pepin G, Malin S, Jallais C, Moreau F, Fort A, Navarro J, Ndiaye D, Gabaude C. Conscious. Cogn. 2018; 62: 69-81.

Affiliation

Univ Lyon, IFSTTAR, TS2, LESCOT, F-69675 Lyon, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.concog.2018.04.006

PMID

29734137

Abstract

MW is damaging for tasks requiring sustained and divided attention, for example driving. Recent findings seem to be indicating that off-task thoughts differently disrupt drivers. The present paper delved into characteristics of off-task thoughts to assess their respective detrimental impact on driving. Twenty volunteers had to declare their MW thoughts and get intentionally involved in Problem-Solving Thoughts (PST) according to instructions. Heart rate and oculometric behavior were collected during the two sessions.

RESULTS showed that MW and PST led to a fixed gaze. MW might also led to a cognitive effort necessary to switch from task-unrelated to task-related focus. Similarities and differences between intentional and unintentional off-task thoughts were discussed in greater detail. By designing a detection algorithm, it could be possible to detect disruptive MW during risky situations while permitting the mind to wander when the driving demand is low.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Driving simulation; Heart rate; Mind-wandering; Neuroergonomics; Ocular behavior; Task-unrelated thoughts