Validation of a multiple resource checklist in predicting performance

Abstract

The validity of Multiple Resource Theory (MRT) to predict performance was investigated. Multiple resources identified in the literature were compiled in a MRT questionnaire and compared in terms of its ability to predict performance to an aggregate of standard subjective workload indices. Three means of coding the MRT questionnaire were also compared. The profile similarity, resource competition, and overall MRT demand coding schemes were compared to the aggregate of time demand, stress demand, mental demand, and overall demand workload scales. The results showed a significant difference between the workload measures. Post hoc analysis indicated that MR demand differed significantly from profile similarity, resource demand, and manual output. While there were significant differences within MRT coding schemes, MRT checklists were not significantly different from the global demand rating. A manual output bottleneck, improper controls in dual task trials, and a performance measure bottoming effect may have contributed to the observed results.