The Information-Capacity of the Human Motor-System in Pursuit Tracking

Abstract

Human performance at a typical pursuit tracking task has been analysed by information theory. Without preview of the course, the channel-capacity was found to be about 4 bits per sec. With preview performance ceased to be perfect at about 2 bits per sec. but continued to improve up to at least 8 bits per sec., at about half the ideal slope. The findings are discussed in relation to the information-capacities measured in other tasks, and it is suggested that with full preview the rate should reach a maximum of about 10 bits per sec. Without preview the rate appears to be lowered by the need to offset response lag by predicting course behaviour.