Understanding Cognitive Depletion in Novice NMR Analysts
This addresses cognitive workload issues for novice NMR analysts, but it is incremental as it focuses on detection rather than solutions.
The study investigated cognitive depletion in novice NMR analysts using a gamified simulation, finding that signs of both learning and depletion could be detected over three hours, with certain symptoms predicting breaks.
We present the results of a user study with novice NMR analysts (N=19) involving a gamified simulation of the NMR analysis process. Participants solved randomly generated spectrum puzzles for up to three hours. We used eye tracking, event logging, and observations to record symptoms of cognitive depletion while participants worked. Analysis of results indicate that we can detect both signs of learning and signs of cognitive depletion in participants over the course of the three hours. Participants' break strategies did not predict or reflect game scores, but certain symptoms appear predictive of breaks.