Modeling a Continuous Dynamic Task

Milliseconds matter – when the interface permits, users will adjust their behavior to shave 100-200 msec from low level interactions. Saving milliseconds involves deploying different microstrategies. These strategies are deployed automatically; that is, non-deliberately. To explore the ability of people to maximize performance by deploying different microstrategies, two experiments were conducted on two continuous dynamic tasks. The data support the conclusion that people respond to small differences in their task environment. The data from each experiment were modeled with ACT-R/PM, a theory that combines the ACT-R theory of cognition with a modal theory of visual attention and motor movement. The models suggest that differences in performance between the two experiments stem from the use of different microstrategies that are deployed in response to subtle differences in the interfaces used by the two experiments.