USDOE Human Subjects Research Database, fiscal year 1995

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Project Identifier: ORNL-93-30

Project Title:

Investigation of Cognitive Workload Measurement Techniques

Principle Investigator: Dr. Jack C. Schryver

Project started in: 1993

Fiscal Year 1995 Funding for Research on Human Subjects:

Project Funding Information:
Project did not receive funding in Fiscal Year 1995.
Project did not use human subjects in Fiscal Year 1995.

Explanation:

Project received no funding during FY95. All work was completed prior to 10/01/95. Only project closeout work was performed in FY 95.

Information on Use of Human Subjects:

Project does not involve use of multiple protocols/subprojects.

IRB Review:
Type of Review: Expedited
Most Recent Approval: August 03, 1995

Number of Human Subjects in the Last Reporting Period for this Project: 0
(Reporting periods vary.)

Type of Human Subjects Involvement:

Instrument/Device/Product Testing or Man-Machine Studies:

Use of human subjects to develop/test instruments, materials, devices, or objects.

(a. Objectives, b. Methodology, c. Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive Substances, or Chemical Substances to which human subjects are exposed, d. Involvement of Human Subjects [d.1. procedures used, d.2. risks if any])

a. To validate proposed cognitive workload metrics for regulatory review of display navigation tasks that may be performed in advanced digital control rooms.

b. Testing occurred while participants were seated before a computer workstation. Participants performed an eyetracker calibration procedure with the head supported in a chin rest. The participants were given instructions and briefed on all aspects of the procedure. After a few practice trials, the participants completed approximately 50 trials. The trials involved repetitive problem-solving tasks at the workstation. Experimental sessions were approximately 90 minutes in duration, during which time the participants were debriefed.

c. None.

d1. Participants completed tasks at a computer workstation while their performance was recorded. Eye movements were recorded using an infrared beam directed at the eye. The amount of infrared illumination on the eye at a range of 15 inches was 20% of the Health Education and Welfare (HEW) maximum permissible exposure according to vendor performance specifications.

d2. Prolonged exposure to the infrared light in the eye could produce some dryness. Social risks are minimized by not associating names with any of the results from the study. Participation was voluntary, and participants were free to withdraw at any time.