Review on Taxonomic Analysis of Human Vigilance Task

The current review discusses the untouched issues in the development of taxonomic systems for describing human vigil tasks and performances. According to Donlad (2008), the ability to generalize vigilance research to operational environments has been questioned, largely due to differences between laboratory research and real-world settings. Although Parasuraman and Davies (1977) attempt to classify vigilance tasks on the basis of task characteristics such as modality, signal conspicuity, event rate, type of task, complexity etc. and information processing demands. At large number of factors still remains overlooked in much of the traditional vigilance literature. Further, Donlad (2008) includes additional relevant aspects in current taxonomy i.e. complexity, homogeneity and heterogeneity, empty background etc. However, most of the experimental evidences for today are in the favor of Parasuraman and Davies1 Taxonomy's (PVT) thus I consider also some contrary evidences in current review. The focus of researchers on vigilance has led to neglect of other components of the person's 'state of mind' which may influence performance and the ability to generalize results enhanced. In current review, the taxonomy is evaluated in the perspective of individual's transitory state of mind which is psychometrically distinct from other factors. Furthermore, current review examines the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-established taxonomy. Lastly, I conclude with Parasuraman and Davies' Taxonomy's (PVT) links to neuroscience and possible future directions which makes provision for the cognitive processes involved in applied aspect.