A self-analysis of the NASA-TLX workload measure

Ergonomics. 2007 Apr;50(4):514-9. doi: 10.1080/00140130701235232.

Abstract

Computer use and, more specifically, the administration of tests and materials online continue to proliferate. A number of subjective, self-report workload measures exist, but the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) is probably the most well known and used. The aim of this paper is to consider the workload costs associated with the computer-based and paper versions of the NASA-TLX measure. It was found that there is a significant difference between the workload scores for the two media, with the computer version of the NASA-TLX incurring more workload. This has implications for the practical use of the NASA-TLX as well as for other computer-based workload measures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Comprehension*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microcomputers / economics*
  • Paper*
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Reading
  • Research Design
  • Self-Assessment
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Universities
  • Workload / psychology*