Effects of executive function and distraction tasks on driver workload levels – evidence from EEG

We hypothesized that (1) the distraction task would affect subjective assessment of driver workload and (2) the distraction task would affect EEG spectral power values: increase theta-band power values and change alpha-band power values. (3) Higher and lower levels of executive function capacity would affect drivers’ perceived workload. Individuals with higher levels of executive function would perceive lower workload and perform better on the detection-response task, whereas individuals with lower levels of executive function would perceive higher workload and perform worse on the detection-response task. (4) Executive function and distraction tasks would jointly influence driver workload levels.