Visual attention: Individual differences in training and predicting complex task performance

Individual differences in visual attention were investigated as predictors of performance on Space Fortress, a video game-like simulator of dynamic flight performance. One hundred and eight paid students completed a computer administered visual attention test and 10 hrs of Space Fortress in one of five randomly assigned training protocols. Attention scores predicted performance before and after training. Assignment into training protocol was also significantly related to performance but training failed to eliminate performance differences between high and low visual attenders. Although training accounted for more variance, attention contributed significant incremental validity after training had been taken into account. The results support the assumption that performance on Space Fortress is determined in part by the skill of attention. This assumption is critical in the use of Space Fortress for pedagogical research. The stability of the attention-performance relationship is also congruous with predictions for tasks that require substantial controlled processing.