Eye tracking experiments are an important contribution to human computer interaction (HCI) research. Eye movements indicate attention, information processing, and cognitive state. Oculomotor activity is usually captured with high temporal resolution eye tracking systems, which are expensive and not affordable for everyone. Moreover, these systems require specific hard- and software. However, affordable and practical systems are needed especially for applied research concerning mobile HCI in everyday life. This study examined the reliability/validity of low temporal resolution devices by comparing data of a table-mounted system with an electrooculogram. Gaze patterns of twenty participants were recorded while performing a visual reaction and a surveillance task. Statistical analyses showed high consistency between both measurement systems for recorded gaze parameters. These results indicate that data from low temporal resolution eye trackers are sufficient to derive performance related oculomotor parameters and that such solutions present a viable alternative for applied HCI research.

Abstract. The Directorate Aviation Safety of the German Armed Forces conducts flight safety audits in flying units. However, up to now, it has not been possible to draw on a psychometrically based instrument for the assessment of safety climate. The goal of this study was to implement an appropriate safety climate questionnaire. To gain flight safety relevant information about the safety climate of the units of the German Armed Forces, the Aviation Safety Climate Scale ( Evans et al. 2007 ) was adapted ( N = 989). Data from half of the sample ( n = 497) were used in an exploratory factor analysis that produced the same three-factor model as in the original scale. A confirmatory factor analysis on the second half of the sample ( n = 492) confirmed the original three-factor model (compared to a two-factor solution and a four-factor solution) as an acceptable fit to the data. Thus, the first evidence supporting reliability and some aspects of the validity was found.

Successfully conducting military operations requires proficient multitasking. Thus, it is essential to sufficiently assess soldiers’ multitasking abilities before deployment to predict their success in the open field. There are two established approaches to operationalize multitasking: either using a multi-/dual-task paradigm or assessing individuals’ performance in several subtasks building a cohesive multitasking scenario. However, it is unclear if and which approach may be more suitable for predicting military multitasking. To investigate this, we recruited 25 students/officer candidates of the University of the Bundeswehr in Munich to perform multitasking based on a dual-task paradigm and a multitasking scenario in the laboratory, and military multitasking in a shooting gallery. For the dual-task, individuals were asked to solve math equations and memorize radio signals in single- compared to dual-task conditions. For the multitasking scenario, individuals were required to perform the multi-attribute task battery (MATB), which includes four subtasks to simulate a flight scenario. For military multitasking, individuals were supposed to execute a shooting exercise and perform the same math and radio tasks as performed in the laboratory in single-/dual- and triple -task conditions, simultaneously. We expected the dual-task assessment in the laboratory to predict military multitasking better, given that both tasks shared very similar task requirements. In contrast, we found moderate evidence in favor of individuals’ MATB performance serving as the best predictor of military multitasking, using Bayesian hierarchical regression analyses. Thus, multitasking scenario performance may be more suitable for predicting military multitasking. A general multitasking ability might explain this effect.

Eye tracking experiments are an important contribution to human computer interaction (HCI) research. Eye movements indicate attention, information processing, and cognitive state. Oculomotor activity is usually captured with high temporal resolution eye tracking systems, which are expensive and not affordable for everyone. Moreover, these systems require specific hard- and software. However, affordable and practical systems are needed especially for applied research concerning mobile HCI in everyday life. This study examined the reliability/validity of low temporal resolution devices by comparing data of a table-mounted system with an electrooculogram. Gaze patterns of twenty participants were recorded while performing a visual reaction and a surveillance task. Statistical analyses showed high consistency between both measurement systems for recorded gaze parameters. These results indicate that data from low temporal resolution eye trackers are sufficient to derive performance related oculomotor parameters and that such solutions present a viable alternative for applied HCI research.