CEA Cognitive Ergonomics & Mental Workload

Question 1

Cognitive ergonomics is primarily concerned with which aspect of human performance?

Accepted Answer

Mental processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making in work systems

Answer

Physical strength and endurance during manual material handling

Answer

Chemical exposure limits in industrial environments

Answer

Postural alignment during seated computer work

Question 2

According to Miller's Law, working memory can hold approximately how many chunks of information at once?

Accepted Answer

7 ± 2 items

Answer

20–25 items

Answer

1–2 items only

Answer

Unlimited items with sufficient practice

Question 3

Which NASA-developed scale is the most widely used tool for assessing subjective mental workload?

Accepted Answer

NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX)

Answer

NIOSH Lifting Equation

Answer

RULA Assessment

Answer

Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Question 4

Endsley's three-level model of situation awareness (SA) includes perception, comprehension, and:

Accepted Answer

Projection of future status

Answer

Physical response execution

Answer

Documentation of the event

Answer

Communication with supervisors

Question 5

Inattentional blindness refers to which cognitive phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Failure to notice an unexpected but visible stimulus when attention is focused elsewhere

Answer

Vision loss caused by prolonged exposure to poor workplace lighting

Answer

A medical condition affecting peripheral vision in industrial workers

Answer

Reduced visual acuity from extended computer screen use

Question 6

In Reason's error taxonomy, a 'slip' is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An unintended action where the correct goal exists but execution fails due to distraction or automaticity

Answer

A deliberate violation of established safety procedures

Answer

A planning error stemming from a flawed mental model

Answer

A memory failure to recall required information

Question 7

Cognitive load in ergonomics refers to:

Accepted Answer

The total mental effort consumed in working memory while processing information during a task

Answer

The physical weight of cognitive equipment such as headsets or displays

Answer

The number of supervisory levels a worker must interact with

Answer

The time required to complete a standardized cognitive assessment