Citation

Stojmenova K, Sodnik J. Sensors (Basel) 2018; 18(2): s18020594.

Affiliation

Faculty of Electrical engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. jaka.sodnik@fe.uni-lj.si.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/s18020594

PMID

29443949

Abstract

The Detection-Response Task is a method for assessing the attentional effects of cognitive load in a driving environment. Drivers are presented with a sensory stimulus every 3-5 s, and are asked to respond to it by pressing a button attached to their finger. Response times and hit rates are interpreted as indicators of the attentional effect of cognitive load. The stimuli can be visual, tactile and auditory, and are chosen based on the type of in-vehicle system or device that is being evaluated. Its biggest disadvantage is that the method itself also affects the driver's performance and secondary task completion times. Nevertheless, this is an easy to use and implement method, which allows relevant assessment and evaluation of in-vehicle systems. By following the recommendations and taking into account its limitations, researchers can obtain reliable and valuable results on the attentional effects of cognitive load on drivers.

Language: en

Keywords

attentional resources; cognitive distraction; cognitive load; detection-response task; driving; sensors