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PubMed · 15960089

Task workload and cognitive abilities in dynamic decision making.

Cleotilde Gonzalez
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Abstract

Researchers often treat workload as a task-dependent variable. To evaluate the effect of workload on individuals' performance, researchers commonly use several methods, such as varying the complexity or number of tasks that test participants are asked to handle or placing individuals under time constraints. Only rarely have researchers investigated workload as a variable dependent on individuals' cognitive abilities. This study investigated workload during dynamic decision making in terms of its dependence on both task workload and cognitive abilities. The findings demonstrate detrimental effects of both high task workload and low cognitive abilities. Further, the results show that high workload is more detrimental in individuals with low cognitive abilities than in individuals with high cognitive abilities. Potential applications of this research include the design of new workload studies and new training protocols in which psychometric tests are used.

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Adaptation, PsychologicalAdultAnalysis of VarianceCognitionComputer SimulationDecision MakingDecision Making, Computer-AssistedFemaleHumansMaleProbabilityProblem SolvingReaction TimeResearch DesignTask Performance and AnalysisWorkloadComparative StudyJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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Cleotilde Gonzalez. 2005. Task workload and cognitive abilities in dynamic decision making.. https://doi.org/10.1518/0018720053653767

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The effectiveness of a peer support camp for siblings of children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Siblings of children with cancer have higher levels of psychological stress and adaptational difficulties compared to siblings of healthy children and children with other chronic illness. This is the first study to report on the mental health of Australian siblings of children with cancer and examines the effects of a therapeutic peer support camp-Camp Onwards, as an intervention. PROCEDURE: A protocol, designed to reduce levels of distress, improve social competence, and improve knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was developed. Siblings (n=26) 8-13 years were assessed using standardised self-report measures pre and post intervention and at -8 weeks follow-up with: the Behaviour Assessment for Children (BASC) (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992), Self Perception Profile for Children (SPP-C) (Harter, 1985), Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) (Carpenter & Sahler, 1991). RESULTS: Change was measured using paired t tests. At pre-test, 40% of the sample demonstrated increased levels of emotional distress when compared to the normal population. Post intervention, siblings reported lower levels of distress demonstrated by decreased anxiety (P=0.01) and positive changes in the Self Report of Personality [BASC] (P=0.00). Improved social competence was noted in the interpersonal domain of the SPQ (P=0.01) and also greater social acceptance scores on the SPP-C (P=0.01). Improved knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was evidenced by significant reductions in the fear of disease domain on the SPQ (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Siblings who attended Camp Onwards demonstrated improved mental health outcomes that were sustained at follow-up, demonstrating its effectiveness as an intervention strategy in supporting sibling adjustment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗