My present
research project is a continuation of my previous study of individual
differences in cognitive flexibility and sustained attention. However, this
study mainly focuses on a sustained attention to response task (a measure of
sustained attention) and auditory cues on task performance. Sustained attention
plays an important role in many jobs and even in daily tasks such as long
distance driving. The decrement in sustained attention on such tasks could
potentially lead to dangerous consequences. The findings of the study provide
researchers information on how to use auditory cues effectively to improve
performance in sustained attention tasks, which potentially decrease the
probability of undesired consequences occurring. This project also aims to
study the validity of a measure of sustained attention. I hope to use this
project as a part of my research in graduate school. One of my long-term goals
is to study the effect of cues (i.e. tactiles, auditory, visual cues) on
driving. The subsequent goal would be studying how robotic systems, coded with
cues and incorporating my research findings, affects individuals’ attention
state during driving tasks.
Over the past
few weeks, I have worked with my mentor, Dr. Helton William, on an IRB
application and the SONA paperwork. We contacted a software developer to
negotiate a deal of purchase. The project is on halt at this point until we get
the software for the project approved by the GMU IT services. We will be able
to start coding the program and obtaining data upon the approval.
Through my
experience with research, I have learned many skills. Research requires
patience and flexibility within an arranged timeline. This semester, I am
reminded of this lesson. I discovered one additional thing: there is more than
one-way to obtain data. We do not have to adhere to the traditionally methods.
Don’t just work harder, but work smarter!
