The effect of alert type to an interruption on primary task resumption

Abstract

Interruptions are pervasive; rarely can one work for an extended period of time without being interrupted. One method for reducing the disruptiveness of interruptions is to present an alert prior to the interruption. Based on the Memory for Goals theory (Altmann and Trafton, 2002), this alert period provides an opportunity to maintain an associative link between the suspended primary task goal and relevant environmental cues which facilitates resumption. This theory does not, however, describe what types of alerts are most effective. Using reaction time and eye movement measures, three different types of alerts were examined to determine which alerts were the most effective and to determine which afforded the greatest opportunity to form an associative link between the suspended primary task goal and relevant environmental cues. Alert conditions resulted in faster resumption times than a no alert condition. There were no differences between the alert conditions themselves, despite eye movement differences reflecting cue association processes. The eye movement data suggest that one fixation is enough to form an associative link which reduces the disruptiveness of interruptions.