Cited by 222Human-Automation Interaction and SafetyErgonomics and Human FactorsEmotion and Mood Recognition

Human Mental Workload: A Survey and a Novel Inclusive Definition

Open access
Longo, Luca, Wickens, Christopher D., Hancock, Gabriella, Hancock, P. A.·2022·Frontiers in Psychology

Abstract

Human mental workload is arguably the most invoked multidimensional construct in Human Factors and Ergonomics, getting momentum also in Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics. Uncertainties exist in its characterization, motivating the design and development of computational models, thus recently and actively receiving support from the discipline of Computer Science. However, its role in human performance prediction is assured. This work is aimed at providing a synthesis of the current state of the art in human mental workload assessment through considerations, definitions, measurement techniques as well as applications, Findings suggest that, despite an increasing number of associated research works, a single, reliable and generally applicable framework for mental workload research does not yet appear fully established. One reason for this gap is the existence of a wide swath of operational definitions, built upon different theoretical assumptions which are rarely examined collectively. A second reason is that the three main classes of measures, which are self-report, task performance, and physiological indices, have been used in isolation or in pairs, but more rarely in conjunction all together. Multiple definitions complement each another and we propose a novel inclusive definition of mental workload to support the next generation of empirical-based research. Similarly, by comprehensively employing physiological, task-performance, and self-report measures, more robust assessments of mental workload can be achieved.

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  • Assessing mental workload as a multidimensional context-dependent construct is generally done by a combination of self-report, performance, and physiological indicators rather than by any single measure alone.

    “Assessing mental workload as a multidimensional context-dependent construct is generally done by a combination of self-report, performance, and physiological indicators rather than by any single measure alone (Young et al., 2015; Longo et al., 2022; Hart and Staveland, 1988).”

    From Enhancement of modern defense capabilities by convergence of cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence (2026) · cites this paper as Longo et al., 2022

    Section 5.4 discusses the advantages and limitations of self-report, task-performance, and physiological measures and describes their use together. But it says physiological measures were the most often used individually and that joint use of all three classes has proliferated only in the last 15 years. The claim overstates how generally assessment uses a combination rather than a single measure; page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

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Research works printed but not linked: 22

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Authors
Longo, L., Wickens, C. D., Hancock, G., & Hancock, P. A.
Affiliations
  • Technological University Dublin (IE)
  • Colorado State University (US)
  • University of Central Florida (US)
Corresponding author
Longo, Luca
Venue
Frontiers in Psychology
Published
2022-06-02
Volume
13
Pages
883321-883321
ISSN
1664-1078 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4281746451
Cited by
222
References
222
Citations by year
2026: 53 · 2025: 72 · 2024: 67 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 2
FWCI
6.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Arrow - TU Dublin (Technological University Dublin) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Lenus, The Irish Health Repository (Dr Steevens Hospital Library) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Human-Automation Interaction and Safety
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Ergonomics and Human Factors
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Emotion and Mood Recognition
Keywords
mental workload, operational definitions, mental workload assessment, self-report measures, physiological indices, neuroergonomics, human performance prediction

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