Emotional investment in naturalistic data collection

Abstract

We present results from two experiments intended to allow naturalistic data collection of the physiological effects of cognitive load. Considering the example of command and control environments, we identify shortcomings of previous studies which use either laboratory-based scenarios, lacking realism, or real-world scenarios, lacking repeatability. We identify the hybrid approach of remote-control which allows experimental subjects to remain in a laboratory setting, performing a real-world task in a completely controlled environment. We show that emotional investment is vital for evoking natural responses and that physiological indications of cognitive load manifest themselves more readily in our hybrid experimental setup. Finally, we present a set of experimental design recommendations for naturalistic data collection. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.