The moderation effects of task attributes and mental fatigue on post-interruption task performance in a concurrent multitasking environment

Yueyuan Chen; Weining Fang; Beiyuan Guo; Haifeng Bao

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103764

The moderation effects of task attributes and mental fatigue on post-interruption task performance in a concurrent multitasking environment

Appl Ergon. 2022 Jul:102:103764. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103764. Epub 2022 Apr 4.

Authors

Yueyuan Chen¹, Weining Fang², Beiyuan Guo³, Haifeng Bao⁴

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Rail Traffic Control and Safety, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shang Yuan Cun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, China; School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shang Yuan Cun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, China. Electronic address: 16116372@bjtu.edu.cn.
² State Key Laboratory of Rail Traffic Control and Safety, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shang Yuan Cun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, China. Electronic address: wnfang@bjtu.edu.cn.
³ State Key Laboratory of Rail Traffic Control and Safety, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shang Yuan Cun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, China. Electronic address: byguo@bjtu.edu.cn.
⁴ State Key Laboratory of Rail Traffic Control and Safety, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shang Yuan Cun, Haidian District, 100044, Beijing, China. Electronic address: hfbao@bjtu.edu.cn.

PMID: 35390668
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103764

Abstract

In a concurrent multitasking environment, performing many types of tasks increases task complexity, and working long hours makes a person susceptible to mental fatigue. Emerging technologies may lead to more task interruptions. This study examines the effects of task attributes and mental fatigue on interrupted task performance in a concurrent multitasking environment. Thirty-four participants performed the MATB-Ⅱ under eight conditions (two-level task interruption, two-level task complexity, two-level fatigue). The results revealed the significant interaction effects of interruption × task complexity and of interruption × fatigue state. The findings show that more time is required to return to a complex primary task, and there are differences among subtask types. Mental fatigue negatively affects primary task performance, workload, and the resumption lag after an interruption. The findings are explained by the increasing information cues needed to resume complex tasks and the negative effect of fatigue on memory activation.

Keywords: Interruption; MATB-Ⅱ; Multitasking environment.

MeSH terms

Humans
Mental Fatigue / etiology
Task Performance and Analysis*
Workload*