Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: Pilot performance investigation during multi-tasking operations requires a procedure, in which the parameters related to the desired scenario of the simulator are obtained in a systematic manner. The multi-attribute task battery (MATB-II) is a standard simulator of generic piloting tasks developed by national aeronautics and space administration (NASA).

Methods: Employing information theory concepts, baud rate generated in all subsystems of the MATB-II were calculated and then, a unique numerical index presenting an estimation of overall workload was extracted. In the next step, three tests with different levels of workload were conducted to examine the validity of the offered criteria. These tests were performed by a group of subjects on the role of human pilots, while recording their own experiences about perceived workload via NASA-TLX.

Results: The results confirmed that there were significant differences between averages of scores assigned by subjects to the total workload, for three levels of difficulty defined based on information theory (P-value < 0.001). This variable shows considerable growth from low to medium and from medium to high categories of workload level.

Conclusions: The proposed quantitative index is effective enough for determination of workload levels in the MATB-II simulator.