The effects of time constraint on discrete task performance and physiological correlates
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1983
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Abstract
This dissertation reports on the effects of seven levels of time constraint on performance employing three different tasks for the purpose of systematically determining the shape and examining the generalizability of the time constraint curve across discrete tasks of differing skill levels. Forty-nine subjects were tested in a series of three experiments which employed time constraints ranging from 0.50 to 3.50. In the experiments, subjects were tested on the Purdue Pegboard, the Bennett Hand Tool Test, and a microcomputer. In Experiment III, heart rate, sinus arrhythmia, muscle tension and galvanic skin response were recorded. The time constraint levels were administered according to a previously designed Latin Square order, with each subject being tested in each treatment condition. However, subjects participated in only one experiment. Performance data recorded involved how many subtasks were completed, how many errors were made, and how much time remained upon completion of tasks. Results of the experiments indicated that of the seven levels employed, subjects completed tasks in time constraint conditions 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50. Performance scores adjusted for time remaining indicated that critical time constraint was approximately 2.50. This level was the first significant, and consistent, drop-off in performance for the "best" time constraint performance level. The best performance level occurred at the 1.50 time constraint level, although performance was not always significantly greater than in the 2.00 time constraint level in all experiments. Subjects' physiological responses, indicated that the greatest autonomic changes occurred in time constraint conditions 1.50 and 2.00 shown by elevated heart rate and muscle tension and decreased sinus arrhythmia. The results of the experiment suggest several recommendations to designers of systems. First, a human operator should not be required to work at a rate greater than bout 2.45 times his or her normal pace. Secondly, in emergency situations, the operator can work at about 1.75 times his or her normal pace for up to about three minutes. Finally, the operator can work, and finish most tasks, if asked to perform at a time constraint ratio of about 1.25.
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Industrial Engineering