CPE CPE Cognitive Ergonomics & Mental Workload Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stage of Wickens' Multiple Resource Theory (MRT) refers to central processing of information?
- Input/output modality
- Processing stage (Correct answer)
- Visual vs. spatial codes
- Focal vs. ambient vision
Correct answer: Processing stage
In Wickens' MRT, the processing stage dimension distinguishes between perceptual/cognitive tasks and response execution tasks competing for the same resources.
Question 2: The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) measures subjective workload across how many dimensions?
- 3
- 4
- 6 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 6
NASA-TLX assesses subjective workload using six subscales: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration.
Question 3: Situation awareness (SA) as defined by Endsley has how many levels?
- 2
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 4
- 5
Correct answer: 3
Endsley's model of situation awareness consists of three levels: perception of elements, comprehension of the situation, and projection of future states.
Question 4: What does 'mental model' mean in cognitive ergonomics?
- A standardized cognitive test battery
- An internal representation of how a system works (Correct answer)
- The maximum cognitive load a task can impose
- A 3D simulation of a workspace
Correct answer: An internal representation of how a system works
A mental model is a user's internal cognitive representation of how a system operates, which guides predictions and interactions.
Question 5: Which cognitive bias involves overweighting the first piece of information encountered when making decisions?
- Confirmation bias
- Anchoring bias (Correct answer)
- Availability heuristic
- Framing effect
Correct answer: Anchoring bias
Anchoring bias causes decision-makers to rely too heavily on the first information presented, even when subsequent evidence should revise the estimate.
Question 6: Vigilance decrement refers to what observed phenomenon in human performance?
- Faster reaction time after breaks
- Decline in detection performance during sustained attention tasks (Correct answer)
- Improved accuracy after training
- Increased error rate with higher task complexity
Correct answer: Decline in detection performance during sustained attention tasks
The vigilance decrement is the well-documented decline in signal detection performance during prolonged monitoring tasks, occurring within 30 minutes.
CPE CPE Cognitive Ergonomics & Mental Workload Questions and Answers 1
Which stage of Wickens' Multiple Resource Theory (MRT) refers to central processing of information?