Date of Award

Summer 1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Program/Concentration

Psychology

Committee Director

Mark W. Scerbo

Committee Member

Glynn D. Coates

Committee Member

Thomas F. Cash

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.P65 R637

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of fragrance upon vigilance performance, stress, and workload. The role of subjects' expectations and boredom proneness upon vigilance performance were also examined.

All subjects were assessed for fatigue, workload, and boredom proneness. Subjects were then randomly assigned to conditions based upon fragrance and instructional set. One group of subjects was given Peppermint enhanced air and the other was given unscented air. Half of the subjects in each group were told that the fragrance or air would help their performance, while the other subjects were told nothing about the effects of fragrance or air on their performance. All subjects then participated in a 45-minute vigilance task. Following the vigil, levels of fatigue, workload, and attention were evaluated.

In the present study, fragrance failed to have an effect upon overall vigilance performance, workload, and fatigue levels. Decrements were found for correct detections and perceptual sensitivity. Response criterion levels as well as reaction time to correct detections increased throughout the task. In addition, subjects reported elevated levels of workload and fatigue after the vigil.

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DOI

10.25777/wsdc-3c93

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