Studies of dynamic task allocation in an aerial search environment

Results of two experiments in dynamic task allocation are discussed. Subjects performed two concurrent computer-based tasks: visual target identification and subcritical compensatory tracking. Target identification could be allocated dynamically to human or computer aid. Three aiding conditions were investigated: no aid, manual aid (with subjects making the allocation decision), and automatic aid (with allocation decisions based on models of human performance). The results indicated that: (1) overall performance was better with the aid available; (2) need for the aid depended on both current and previous task states; (3) unaided performance was benefited by having an aid available, but only if subjects were in charge of task allocation; and (4) although overall performance was better with he automatic aid, subjects preferred the manual aid. The implications of these and other results are discussed.< >