University of Twente Student Theses
The effect of task complexity and mental workload on task performance in an immersive virtual reality training
Juárez Rojas, Lilibeth (2021) The effect of task complexity and mental workload on task performance in an immersive virtual reality training.
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| Abstract: | There is an increasing interest to develop engaging, practical, and cost-effective training solutions for workers in the construction industry. Virtual Reality (VR) has been demonstrated to be a suitable solution to cope with those demands, but important factors must be considered before implementation. Task complexity (TC) and mental workload (MWL) are well-known predictors of task performance, and their effects should be evaluated to maximize VR effectiveness. This study investigates what is effect of different levels and order of TC and MWL on task performance to train future operators in the asphalting industry. The following main research questions are guiding the present study: Are there significant differences in rates of performance when participants are assigned to perform in different levels and orders of TC?, and does MWL have a moderation effect on task performance of participants when they are assigned to perform under different scenarios of TC? Research questions were answered by using the levels and order of TC as independent variable, performance results as dependent variable, and MWL measures as covariate. This investigation uses an experimental design based on quantitative data collection. Ten students from the University of Twente took part of the study. Task performance was measured using the performance scores from the VR system. TC had two levels: low and high. Heart rate measures were used to assess objective MWL and Self-perception surveys for subjective MWL. Data was analyzed with SPSS, using an ANOVA and ANCOVA Repeated Measures analysis. No significant differences were found among training groups. Starting with the low TC or with the high TC did not make a difference in terms of performance. Second, there was no evidence that MWL has an influence on task performance. The effect of objective and subjective MWL did not have a significant impact on performance results. This study contributes to further understanding of how the order and levels of TC and MWL might influence on task performance within an immersive VR environment. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 81 education, teaching |
| Programme: | Educational Science and Technology MSc (60023) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/88575 |
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