Examining potential confounds in use of the detection response task for in-vehicle system evaluation
DOI: 10.3141/2663-09
archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified
Summary
Goethe, McCarty, and Cooper examined whether the tactile DRT can validly index the cognitive component of primarily visual-manual IVIS interactions. Twenty-four participants interacted with audio-entertainment tasks via Steering Wheel, Touch Screen, and Voice Recognition modalities in a stationary 2016 Honda Accord, with the DRT either present or absent in a 2x3 within-subjects design. Tactile DRT response times distinguished cognitive demand across modalities even when the primary task was visual-manual, but adding the DRT measurably altered IVIS task completion time, suggesting the secondary task is not fully transparent.
Key finding
The tactile DRT picks up cognitive demand of visual-manual IVIS interactions but interacts with primary-task completion time, so DRT-induced load must be controlled when interpreting modality comparisons.
Methodology
Stationary in-vehicle 2 (DRT present/absent) x 3 (modality: steering wheel, touch screen, voice recognition) within-subjects DRT validation study with audio-entertainment tasks.
Sample size: 24
Quality score: 5 / 5