Augmented Reality (AR), in which computer graphics and relevant data are superimposed onto a user’s natural world view, affords the potential to provide contextually rich and immersive training solutions that can substantially enhance learning (Lee, 2012). Additionally, leveraging AR presents the possibility to create/deploy/practice training more rapidly, while alleviating monetary and human resources. However, little is known about the short and long-term effects of AR usage on human cognitive-affective training performance (e.g., stress, engagement, etc.) or how these factors interact and affect knowledge acquisition, retention, and transfer. AR and virtual reality (VR) research suggests significant impact of individual differences (such as spatial aptitude, immersive tendencies, and user self-efficacy) on one’s ability to learn in immersive environments (Chen & Wang, 2015; Riley et al., 2004; Witmer et al., 1996), but these impacts in AR are not well characterized. Beyond individual differences, research indicates that task factors such as type (psychomotor, cognitive) (Schmidt-Daly et al., 2016), duration (Kennedy et al., 2000), complexity (Khademi et al., 2013), and skill requirement (Condino et al., 2019) influence AR training outcomes. However, these factors have not been systematically evaluated to define how they impact user psychological constructs during the learning process. This research aims to identify and quantify the degree to which differing types/natures of tasks, and their presentation in AR environments, effectively promote skill development and training transfer. By evaluating both cognitive and psychomotor task performance during and after AR training, using varying levels of virtual/physical interactions and cues, it will be possible to determine the effects of task receptivity on training performance. Results from this assessment will inform development of AR usage and design guidelines, usability criteria, best practices, and recommendations that will help ensure that the tasks, and their instantiation within the AR space, best support efficacious use in military and civilian training.
Human Performance Analysis and Engineering
AR Psychological Suitability: Training Receptivity and Training System Efficacy
22 views