SYNWORK1 - A PC-BASED TOOL FOR ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE IN A SIMULATED WORK-ENVIRONMENT

SYNWORK1 is a computer-based performance task that requires subjects to work simultaneously on four distinct subtasks involving memory, arithmetic processing, and visual and auditory monitoring. Difficulty levels, the payoff matrix, feedback levels, and component subtask mix are user selectable. Detailed data are automatically collected, and a suite of data analysis programs is available. SYNWORK1 is being used in sleep-deprivation and circadian desynchronization experiments and in a variety of clinical research applications. Representative data from a sleep-deprivation experiment are presented to demonstrate the sensitivity of the technique. The strategy used for programming concurrent tasks on a PC is described.