Development of Non-Invasive Measurements of Cognitive Demand Using Standard Computer Input Devices

Abstract

Richard Lamb, Surbhi Rathore, William Elm, Christine Brugh, Lori Wachter, Stephen Shauger, John Light and Elizabeth Richerson

The objective of this research is to develop and align non-invasive biokinetic measurement tools such as mouse micromovements to currently existing measurement methods to understand underlying analyst cognitive states (such as attention or cognitive demand). Biokinetic measurement is defined as measurements which link movements within an environment to underlying cognitive states. The primary purpose of this project is to examine the alignment of mouse micromovements with neurological signals to detect cognitive demand differences as a means to center cognitive and affective factors and states in the development of analyst support tools. Based upon this purpose this work seeks to answer the following question. To what degree do mouse micromovement profiles provide align with known levels of cognitive demand as measured through neurological means. The authors recruited a total of 33 participants. Collection of cognitive demand data associated with analyst reading, graphical interpretation, and responses were also tracked using a functional near infrared spectrometer (fNIRS). A significant regression was found and mouse micromovements explained approximate 74% of the variance in hemodynamic response. This not only demonstrates a direct predictive link but also highlights a potential intervention point to improve analyst performance.

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