Cognitive Load and Mental Fatigue

Mental Workload

Cognitive Load

• Definition: The amount of mental effort required to complete a task, influenced by the complexity of the task, the individual's prior knowledge, and the available working memory.
• Types:
  • Intrinsic cognitive load: Caused by the inherent complexity of the task.
  • Extraneous cognitive load: Caused by the way the task is presented or the environment.
  • Germane cognitive load: Caused by the effort to create schemas and automate processes.
• Factors affecting cognitive load:
  • Task complexity
  • Prior knowledge and expertise
  • Working memory capacity
  • Attention and motivation
• Measurement methods:
  • Self-report measures (e.g., NASA-TLX)
  • Performance metrics (e.g., reaction time, accuracy)
  • Physiological measures (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance)

Mental Fatigue

• Definition: A state of decreased mental performance and productivity, characterized by feelings of exhaustion, lethargy, and decreased motivation.
• Causes:
  • Prolonged mental workload
  • Insufficient rest and recovery
  • Lack of autonomy and control
  • High levels of stress and anxiety
• Effects:
  • Decreased cognitive performance (e.g., attention, memory)
  • Increased error rates
  • Decreased motivation and engagement
  • Increased risk of burnout and turnover
• Measurement methods:
  • Self-report measures (e.g., Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory)
  • Performance metrics (e.g., reaction time, accuracy)
  • Physiological measures (e.g., heart rate, cortisol levels)

Note: These notes aim to provide a concise overview of the key concepts and factors related to cognitive load and mental fatigue.