The increase or decrease in the speed and accuracy of tasks is a measure of mental work performance in the aspect of mental fatigue

Abstract

Problem Statement: It is assumed that an increase or decrease in the speed and accuracy of tasks with changing perception of threshold values of flicker fusion frequencies is the measure of mental work performance in the aspect of mental fatigue. Approach: Two tests of the Vienna Test System battery were used: the ALS mental work performance test and the FLIM test of emotional arousal in the aspect of mental fatigue. The study examined (N=58) university students. The participants were aged 18 to 25 years, they all were studying at the same university. Purpose: The analysis looked a measure of work speed, a measure of increase or decrease in work performance, the percentage of incorrect answers, a measure of work accuracy, and the frequency of light fusion and light flickering. Results: It has been observed that a decrease in mental work speed and accuracy is accompanied by the perception of a decrease in flicker fusion frequency at which image perception occurs. A high level of mental fatigue manifested by the perception of low threshold values of fusion and light flicker frequencies does not allow for the fast and accurate performance of mental work. These frequencies decrease as the level of mental fatigue increases. The standpoint of the main research problem concerning mental work performance and arousal responsible for mental fatigue a positive correlation was observed for mental fatigue with two indices of mental performance. There was a decline in the perception of threshold values of fusion and flicker frequencies as indices of an increase in mental fatigue that is accompanied by a decrease in work performance. Conclusions: An increase or decrease in the speed and accuracy of tasks is a measure of mental work performance. A high level of fatigue manifested by the perception of low threshold values of flicker fusion frequencies does not allow for the fast and accurate performance of mental work. These frequencies decrease as the level of fatigue increases.