Effects of Value on the Monitoring of Multi-Channel Displays

Performance in keeping track of several channels of information was investigated as a function of payoff ratio, display format, stimulus on-time, load, and channel payoff value in a 4 × 2 × 2×2×2 mixed design and suggested that the greater the load on the operator and the great the disparity between high- and low-valued information, the more likely selectivity of information is to occur.

Abstract

Performance in keeping track of several channels of information was investigated as a function of payoff ratio, display format, stimulus on-time, load, and channel payoff value in a 4 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 mixed design. Each of 32 subjects was instructed to keep track of the status of a six-or ten-channel display. On alternate trials, a subject either was presented with a new piece of information or was interrogated about the present status of a channel. Analysis of the results indicated significant payoff-ratio, format, stimulus on-time, load, and value effects, as well as a significant load × value interaction. Results suggested that the greater the load on the operator and the greater the disparity between high- and low-valued information, the more likely selectivity of information is to occur. In addition, the probability of a correct response was investigated as a function of the time the information had to be retained and of the independent variables. Applications of the results to display monitoring contexts are discussed.