title: Predicting battlefield vigilance: a multivariate approach to assessment of attentional resources.
abstract: Technological innovation increasingly requires operators in various applied settings to maintain vigilance for extended periods. However, standard psychometric tests typically predict less than 10% of performance variance. The present study (N = 462) aimed to apply the resource theory of sustained attention to construct a multivariate test battery for predicting battlefield vigilance. The battery included cognitive ability tests, a high-workload short vigilance task and subjective measures of stress response. Four versions of a 60- min simulated military battlefield monitoring task were constructed to represent different operational requirements. The test battery predicted 24-44% of criterion variance, depending on task version, suggesting that it may identify vigilant operators in military and other applied contexts. A multiple-groups path analysis showed that relationships between ability and vigilance were moderated by working memory demands. Findings are consistent with a diffuse theoretical concept of 'resources' in which performance energisation depends on multiple, loosely coupled processes.
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Simulation and Training , University of Central Florida , Orlando , FL , USA.
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: Joel S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Warm
authors.forename: Tyler H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Victor S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Finomore
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014857:Warfare; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: attentional resources; cognitive ability; fatigue; military performance; stress; vigilance