Relationships Between Pilots’ Startle and Surprise Responses and Information-Processing Performance During Simulated In-Flight Events
研究了26名飞行员在模拟飞行中，惊吓和惊讶反应如何影响其信息处理速度，发现惊吓会显著降低处理速度，而惊讶则无显著影响。
ObjectiveWe aim to investigate how pilots' startle and surprise responses affect information-processing performance during simulated in-flight events.BackgroundStartle and surprise are distinct constructs, each with their own potential effects on pilot's performance during unexpected in-flight events. Prior research suggests that startle may impair performance through stress-induced cognitive interference, whereas surprise may do so via cognitive demands associated with sensemaking. Thus, we hypothesized that both startle and surprise would negatively affect information-processing performance on a secondary auditory cognitive task.MethodUsing a motion-based hexapod simulator and a twin-propeller aircraft model, 26 pilots each performed eight single-pilot flight scenarios, which were designed to elicit varying levels of startle and surprise responses. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to analyse the relationships between self-report startle and surprise with secondary task performance, while controlling for individual differences and differences between the scenarios.ResultsThe results revealed that higher startle was significantly associated with reduced information-processing speed. For surprise, no significant association was found.ConclusionThe findings suggest that, within the context of the tested scenarios, startle appeared to impose a more pronounced disruptive effect on pilots' information-processing performance than surprise.ApplicationThe study underscores the need for tailored interventions to enhance pilots' resilience to startle and calls for further research on ecologically valid methods to induce surprise for research and training purposes.