NeuroTracker Multiple Object Tracking Ability Predicts Novice Performance on a Simulated Air Traffic Control Task

ABSTRACT

Objective

To explore the utility of multiple object tracking (MOT) ability, measured using NeuroTracker, as a predictor of air traffic control (ATC) task performance.

Background

The perceptual-cognitive abilities required for MOT are also important for ATC performance. The current study provides a novel examination of NeuroTracker’s utility to predict novice performance on a simulated ATC task, relative to two discrete measures of working memory (WM).

Method

Forty-six participants completed computer-based assessments of MOT ability (NeuroTracker) and WM (Corsi Block Tapping, Automated Operation Span) followed by the simulated ATC task. Regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between ATC task performance and the MOT and WM measures.

Results

After controlling for age and video game playing, MOT ability significantly predicted more correct detections of conflicts between aircraft, fewer false alarm responses to conflicts, and faster aircraft acceptance and hand-off. When WM measures were included in regressions, MOT was a stronger predictor of performance than WM on those outcomes, and remained a statistically significant predictor of better conflict detection, false alarm response, and hand-off performance.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the relevance of MOT ability to ATC task performance and support the potential utility of NeuroTracker for controller applicant screening and selection. Research is required to validate the findings in larger and more representative samples under more realistic conditions.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Sasha Nahleen for assisting with data collection, Angela Bender for configuring the ATC task used in the study, and Anna Ma-Wyatt for making valuable suggestions during the design and planning phases of the study. Finally, we would like to thank the participants who took part in the study.

Disclosure Statement

The authors of this paper have no previous or current association with NeuroTracker Inc. The second and third authors’ institution paid for the licenses to use the NeuroTracker software, and the authors did not receive funding or any other incentive from NeuroTracker Inc. to use their software in carrying out this research. The study was conducted as a thesis project in partial fulfillment of the first author’s Honors degree. Parts of this work were presented at the Defence Human Sciences Symposium in 2019.