Date of Award

Summer 8-2003

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Human Factors & Systems

Department

Human Factors and Systems

Committee Chair

Frances Greene

Committee Member

Dennis A. Vincenzi

Committee Member

Gerald Gamache

Abstract

This thesis was designed to determine whether age or the accuracy of advice provided significantly effects compliance with a computerized decision support assistant. 48 participants in two groups, aged 20-40 (younger adults) and 41-69 (older adults), performed a monitoring/vigilance task intended to be similar to screening baggage with an X-ray monitor. A decision support assistant was provided to assist participants in choosing one out of four gray circles that had the most contrast with the background screen. Compliance with the decision support assistant's advice was then assessed. Results indicated that the level of advice accuracy did have a significant effect on compliance with decision support. As the advice accuracy level decreased, compliance decreased for both age groups. Although previous literature indicates that older adults may have negative attitudes toward computers, no significance was found for age or the interaction effect of age and advice accuracy on compliance with decision support technology.

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