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Objective To assess the evidence of general transfer from training on abstract computer-based exercises and video games to driving and flight control. Background Many believe that training on abstract computer-based exercises and video games enhances cognitive capacities to the benefit of performance in operational contexts. The basic research in this area is controversial. Method We summarize reviews of the basic research data on transfer from training on abstract computer-based exercises and video games and undertake a detailed methodological review of flight and driving transfer studies. Results Reviews of basic transfer research fail to reveal evidence of general transfer, although a few applied studies are said to show general transfer to driving or flight control. Our review of these applied studies identifies issues with research methods and data interpretation that compromise the credibility of their results to an extent that they do not provide robust evidence of general transfer from abstract computer-based exercises or video games. Conclusion The state of cognitive training and video game training in relation to transfer has failed to meet early expectations. Much of the research in this area suffers from inadequate experimental control and flawed interpretation of results. We call for adherence to robust experimental design, critical evaluation of data patterns, and replication of keystone results. We also call for a theoretically grounded research effort, and we outline relevant theoretical conceptions of transfer. Application A robust theory of transfer and better understanding of transfer effects can guide development of principles for design and use of training simulators.

Objective: Two experiments examined the detectability of multiple transient changes within a cluttered and dynamic display (a simulated sonar display). Background: Research suggests that there are severe limitations when multiple targets must be detected within close temporal proximity. The present research explored whether these limitations influence performance in a dynamic monitoring task. Method: Participants monitored a cluttered and dynamic display and reported the number of new objects that appeared (one to four objects). The time between onset events was varied. A blinking cue sometimes accompanied each new object, giving observers multiple opportunities to detect it. Results: A large decrease in performance was observed when participants were asked to detect multiple targets within a short period of time. Performance was worse than predicted based on the attention literature. Performance suffered when observers were asked to detect more than two or three targets. The blinking cue greatly attenuated this performance deficit, even for short-duration blinking cues (one blink). Conclusion: Operators can easily become overwhelmed when asked to respond to even a small number of events when these events occur close in time. Extending transient events in time improves performance, but some attentional limitations may be difficult or impossible to overcome. Application: These results have important implications for systems in which important events may occur within close temporal proximity (e.g., when a sonar operator is tasked with detecting threats in the battle space). Situations in which these limitations may or may not influence performance are discussed.

Objective: Two experiments examined the detectability of transient changes in cluttered and dynamic displays and optimal scan strategies for performance. Background: Research has demonstrated that onset changes are prioritized by the attention system and onsets are often used to signal important display changes. However, research has mostly used uncluttered, static displays and has largely ignored the role of scan strategy. Method: W e had participants monitor a cluttered and dynamic display and respond when an object changed color or onset abruptly. Scan strategies were also evaluated. In another experiment participants were instructed to use particular strategies to detect changes. Results: Consistent with previous results, onset events were detected better than were color change events. Scan strategy accounted for a large proportion of variance in detection performance. Participants who made few eye movements performed best. Participants who actively scanned the display performed worst. When poor performers were instructed to make few eye movements, their performance matched that of the best performers. Conclusion: Onset alerts can be an effective means of signaling important events in complex displays. Additionally, scan strategy plays an important role in the detection of transient events. Application: These results have important implications for training operators to search for transient changes within dynamic and cluttered displays.

Technology can help support the goal of many older adults to live independently, though cognitive, attitudinal, and other barriers often result in a "digital divide" in which older adults use and adopt new technology at a lower rate compared to younger adults. Due to the many potential benefits of technology it is not surprising that interest in tools that assess technology proficiency among older adults has increased. These tools can help support older adult technology research and training. However, to understand these issues more broadly, especially cross-cultural determinants of technology proficiency, translated, validated, and standardized measures of proficiency are necessary. For example, according to the last Eurobarometer (European Commission, 2015), Spain has experienced the largest increase in technology adoption among European Union nations in the past few years, indicating potential cultural mediation of technology adoption and use. To benefit the investigation of cross-cultural differences and their causes, we adapted the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ) and Computer Proficiency Questionnaire (CPQ) for older adults in Spain, including the full and brief forms of each measure. Consistent with English versions of the questionnaires, the scales and their subscales were found to be reliable and valid measures of mobile device and computer proficiency in Spanish older adults. However, in contrast to earlier studies, the factor structure for both questionnaires simplified into two factors for the population under study. We conclude that the Spanish versions of the MDPQ and CPQ can be employed as useful tools for measuring mobile device and computer proficiency in the Spanish older adult population for research and training purposes.

AbstractThe Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ) is a well-established, reliable, and valid instrument to measure basic and advanced mobile device skills among older adults. We offer a German adaptation of the MDPQ and report reliability and validity findings. A controlled translation procedure was applied. The translated scale was tested in two analytical samples with an age range of 50–95 years in 2020 (n = 548) and 2022 (n = 276). To assess reliabilities, internal consistencies and test–retest reliabilities are reported. To assess validity, we analyze the scale in the context of gender, age, and educational differences and its associations with measures of technology use and attitudes towards technology (convergent and divergent validity). The German adaptation of the MDPQ was found to be reliable and valid as the original version. The scale demonstrated an excellent internal consistency in both studies with α = 0.95 (study 2: α = 0.92) and ω = 0.95 (study 2: ω = 0.93). Subscale internal consistencies were all ≥ 0.65. Test–retest reliabilities with measurement waves 2 years apart showed excellent values (MDPQ full scale: rtt = 0.84, p < 0.001). We also found the expected factorial structure of the scale, positive associations with education, mobile device use and technology attitudes, and negative associations with age. Women scored lower than men. The German adaptation of the MDPQ can serve as a useful tool to estimate mobile device skills in older adults in German speaking countries in a reliable and valid way, for example in survey research, research projects, and practice contexts. Translating and implementing the MDPQ in other European countries will help to further strengthen internationally harmonized assessments in technology and aging research.