Working with cognitive load task: mental fatigue, sleepiness, and performance
Keywords:
Mental fatigue, Sleepiness, Reaction time, Samn-Perelli scale, Mathematics test, Cognitive loadAbstract
Cognitive load experienced over a certain period can cause mental fatigue. Since many studies link mental fatigue with sleepiness, we aimed to investigate whether mental fatigue and sleepiness always co-occur. The aim was to explore the relationship between mental fatigue, sleepiness, and performance. Experiments using mathematics tests were conducted using the method of rm-ANOVA. We use subjective scales such as the Samn-Perelli and KSS to assess the level of fatigue and sleepiness. During the period, reaction times from the PVT and math test scores were also measured, indicating performance. The results showed a statistically significant increase in fatigue and sleepiness scores. Fatigue scores increased sharply while sleepiness scores were still relatively at a safe level. Reaction times increase, especially towards the last stage of the experiment. Over the trial, we find no significant decline in test scores. These findings suggest that although mental fatigue may co-occur with increased sleepiness, it is not always dominant, nor does it necessarily lead to reduced performance. This study increases understanding of the relationship between fatigue, sleepiness, and performance, and cautions against equating indicators of mental fatigue with sleepiness in research.
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