Levels of Arousal: A Comparison of Conditions of Interest and Boredom

Abstract

The principal concern of this thesis was an attempt to investigate the physiological and psychological correlates of the related constructs of monotony arid boredom and to define them in terms of levels of arousal. While quite a bit of performance data was available from vigilance studies, there was a definite lack of psychophysiological information regarding boredom which often accompanies monotonous vigilance-type tasks. Since boredom is an unpleasant state produced by monotony, which is insufficient stimulation, a condition expected to produce interest was devised against which to test both constructs. The problem of devising a task which would prove to be interesting for two hours was probably the most difficult chore that I encountered in designing the experiment and success in that endeavor was limited. A rapidly expanding technology is reducing many previously active tasks into passive vigilance-type tasks. In industry, machine operators have become machine monitors; in business, highly skilled clerical work is done automatically and requires minimal but necessary attention; and the field of education is rapidly being invaded by all manner of machinery. Such then is the present and future and here we are with just a smattering of the knowledge we need to cope with the problem. I hope that the information presented herein is an appropriate step in the right direction.