How Multi-Tasking Ability Impacts Performance, Workload, Situation Awareness, Stress and Trust with Simulated Imperfect Automation

Jayden N. Greenwell-Barnden, Troy A. W, Shayne Loft, Susannah J. Whitney, Vanessa K. Bowden, The University of Western Australia, Department of Defence

Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

Published online on March 11, 2026

Abstract

Human Factors, Ahead of Print.
ObjectiveThis study investigated whether individual differences in multi-tasking ability (MTa) modulate the benefit and cost of supervising imperfect automation on performance, workload, situation awareness, stress, and trust in simulated air traffic ...