Cue Utilization Predicts the Impact of Interruptions during a Rail Simulation Task

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the role of cue utilization in the management of interruptions during a high workload, rail control simulation incorporating an implicit pattern of rail movement. The experiment required participants to manage frequent interruptive tasks while diverting and logging the arrival of trains. Measures of response latency and accuracy in diverting and logging the arrival of trains were recorded. Participants with lower cue utilization demonstrated a greater loss of performance following interruptions. These results provide support for the assertion that a relatively greater capacity for cue utilization is associated with superior performance in the management of interruptions during high workload tasks.