Sensory Determinants of Workload and Stress in Sustained Attention

Audio-visual differences regarding temporal changes in the workload and stress associated with vigilance performance were examined. Detection probability was superior for the auditory modality. Global workload scores (NASA-TLX) for both modalities did not increase over time but scores on the Frustration subscale did. Observers became more stressed over time (Dundee Stress State Questionnaire), though those in the auditory condition recovered toward the end of the watch. Sensory factors have different implications for the workload and stress of sustained attention.