Write your message

Search published articles


Showing 4 results for Attention
The Effects of Divided Attention and Cognitive Distraction on Driver’s Performance Among People Aged over 65
Mahdi Ebnali Heidari, Kamal Azam, Ahmadreza Nazeri, Majid Ebnali Heidari, Alireza Shateri,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract

Introduction: Driving is a complex task engaging high level of cognitive and motor processes. Adding to this complexity, engagement in cognitive secondary tasks such as talking with other passengers, speaking on the cell phone or listening to radio may effect driving performance. In addition, age-related cognitive limitations may adversely challenge driving performance. As the number of elderly drivers is rising, it is important to pay more attention to this matter.

Methods: The effects of cognitive secondary tasks on driving performance were explored through two on-road experiments (with and without listening to a recorded dialogue). In this study thirty-two individuals (male, M = 72.6, SD = 5.43) voluntarily took part in the experiments. The mean driving speed, duration of driving in unsafe-zones, numbers of overtaking, and deviation of lateral lane position were recorded, adopting a radar system and video camera. After determination of the normality of data, paired t test and correlation analysis were conducted.

Results: Mean driving speed (P < 0.05), duration of driving in an unsafe zone (P < 0.05), and numbers of overtaking (P < 0.001) showed considerable reduction of participants’ engagement in listening to the recorded dialogue. In contrast, mean deviation of lateral lane position increased.

Conclusions: The findings revealed that driving performance of elderly drivers was effected when listening to a recorded dialogue. However, in order to increase driving safety, they adopted some compensating strategies.


Evaluation of Effects of Different Levels of Brightness on Attention and Reaction Time under Laboratory Conditions
Habibollah Dehghan, Zohre Mohebian, Ghasem Yadegarfar,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract

Introduction: Few studies were conducted to determine the effects of lighting on cognitive performance. However, they could not reach a decisive conclusion. This study investigated cognitive performance of university students exposed to different levels of lighting under laboratory conditions.

Methods: In this experimental study, 33 subjects (age range 19-26 years) performed cognitive tests. Participants were exposed to three levels of lighting (200, 500 and 1500lux) in laboratory conditions while performing CPT tests to investigate percentage of attention and reaction time machine that measures reaction time.

Results: The results of this study showed that the maximum percentage of attention (99.75%) belonged to lighting of 1500 (lux) and the minimum percentage of attention was related to 500(lux) (99.36%). statistical analysis showed significant differences in percentage of attention in different levels of lighting (P=0.004). In addition, results of data analysis showed that increase in intensity of  lighting can make a significant change in the average response time (P˂0.001), correct response (P=0.004), commission error (P=0.001) and omission error (P=0.017). With increasing the lighting intensity, reaction time has decreased. The reaction time showed significant differences  at all levels of lighting (P˂0.001)

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, lighting causes a decrease in reaction time and increase in attention. Thus, the lighting should be taken into account while designing of job and tasks which need attention or reaction time.


A Study on the Status of Cognitive Failures and Their Relationship with Individual Factors and Personality Traits among Midwives Working in Kermanshah Province
Seyedeh Aghdas Hosseini, Zeynab Moradian Haft Cheshmeh, Fardin Zandsalimi, Mahsa Mashayekhi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Cognitive failures are important for reducing accidents and improving performance, and they depend on multiple factors. Given that this issue has received less attention among midwives, the present study aimed to determine the status of cognitive failures concerning individual factors and personality traits among midwives.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2024 on 211 midwives working in Kermanshah province in Iran. The samples were selected using a convenience sampling method. In addition, a standard three-part questionnaire was used. The first part included demographic information, and the second and third parts included questions from the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and the short form of the NEO Personality Inventory. Moreover, data were analyzed using the SPSS (version 24) software.
Results: The mean age and work experience of the midwives participating in this study were 36.22±8.03 years and 10.38±7.85 years, respectively. The overall scores for cognitive failures in memory, action, and attention were 16.79±3.04, 17.41±2.80, and 16.30±3.62, in respective order. The results revealed a positive relationship between age, work experience, and body mass index (BMI) with cognitive failures and a negative relationship between exercising and cognitive failures. Neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness were positively related to cognitive failures, while conscientiousness was negatively related to cognitive failures.
Conclusion: The status of cognitive failures in the action dimension was more unfavorable than the other two dimensions. Some individual and personality traits were directly, and others inversely related to cognitive failures. Further research in this area is necessary.

Investigation of the relationship between indoor illumination and luminance with sustained attention among administrative staff in selected healthcare centers of Ardabil Ardabil city in 2025
Rasoul Hemmatjo, Hajar Ebadi Garjan,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Advances in technology have led to widespread use of visual display terminals across occupations, resulting in prolonged exposure. Scientific studies show lighting significantly influences human attention by affecting consciousness levels. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between indoor illuminance, luminance and sustained attention among administrative staff in healthcare centers in Ardabil.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 98 administrative staff in healthcare centers. Illuminance levels (at the work surface and user’s eye level) and luminance (at the user’s eye level from the screen and light source) were measured at workstations using a Hagner Universal photometer model S4. Sustained attention was assessed using the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) under workplace lighting conditions. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 27 using non-parametric statistical tests and Dunn’s post-hoc test.
Results: Results revealed a positive but non-significant correlation between sustained attention and work surface illuminance (p=0.123), luminance at the user's eye level from lighting sources (p=0.335) and from the screen (p=0.7). A positive and statistically significant relationship was observed between illuminance at the user's eye level and sustained attention (p=0.029). Dunn’s post-hoc test indicated this relationship was significant between lighting levels below 100 lx and 300 to 500 lx (p<0.05). Higher levels of lighting parameters were associated with shorter reaction times in the sustained attention test, although these associations did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, illuminance at the user's eye level has a positive and statistically significant relationship with sustained attention among administrative staff. Therefore, implementing lighting interventions in the design and arrangement of lighting sources, along with use of visual display terminals with appropriate luminance, can be considered an effective strategy to enhance sustained attention in administrative personnel.

Page 1 from 1     

© 2026 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb |