Title: Using feature extraction and electromyography to evaluate affect during simulation

Authors: Jennifer Tichon, Geoffrey Watson, Guy Wallis

Addresses: Perception and Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia Q 4072, Australia. ' Perception and Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia Q 4072, Australia. ' Perception and Motor Systems Laboratory, School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia Q 4072, Australia

Abstract: Objective judgment and decision-making is an essential component for success in high stress environments such as defence, aviation and emergency medical response. Emotions such as fear and anxiety unless they are controlled can overwhelm even the most highly trained professional. Training designed to support and strengthen professionals against skill degradation through stress now often involves simulation where highly dangerous situations such as combat and critical medical emergencies can be safely replicated. However, despite the growing popularity of advanced training simulations, methods for evaluating their use rely heavily on subjective measures or analysis of final outcomes. This paper describes the technical aspects of pilot work recently undertaken to develop a new objective measurement tool designed to track individual affective levels during simulation-based training.

Keywords: simulation; training; affect; emotion; electromyography; EMG; feature extraction; objective measurement; individual affective levels.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2011.041642

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2011 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.149 - 162

Received: 17 Sep 2010
Accepted: 08 Mar 2011
Published online: 22 Oct 2014 *

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