Computer Modeling of Operator Mental Workload and Situational Awareness in Simulated Air-to-Ground Combat: An Assessment of Predictive Validity

Abstract

The predictive validity of computer modeling of operator mental workload and situational awareness during a simulated air-to-ground combat mission was assessed. In Phase 1 of the study, 12 participants completed a series of simulated flights and provided Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) ratings of workload and Situational Awareness Rating Technique (SART) ratings of situational awareness. In Phase 2, computer models of the combat mission were constructed using the Micro Saint modeling tool. The visual, auditory, kinesthetic, cognitive, and psychomotor components of workload associated with each task comprising the mission were estimated and used to derive measures of average and peak workload. The results from the flight-simulator data versus the Micro Saint data were similar but not identical, indicating that the computer models were partially but not completely valid predictors of mental workload and situational awareness. The computer modeling appeared to be a more effective predictor of situational awareness than mental workload.