title: Predicting age-related differences in visual information processing using a two-stage queuing model.
abstract: Recent work on age-related differences in some types of visual information processing has qualitatively stated that younger adults are able to develop parallel processing capability, while older adults remain serial processors. A mathematical model based on queuing theory was used to quantitatively predict and parameterize age-related differences in the perceptual encoding and central decision-making aspects of a multiple-frame search task. Statistical results indicated main effects for frame duration, display load, age group, and session of practice. Comparison of the full model and a restricted model indicated an efficient contribution of the encoding speed parameter. The best-fitting parameter set indicated that (1) younger participants processed task information with a two-channel parallel system, while older participants were serial processors; and (2) perceptual encoding had a large impact on age-related differences in task performance. Results are discussed with implications for human factors design principles.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Goldberg
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Detweiler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011930:Reaction Time; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D014796:Visual Perception