Performance of Normal Males on the Halstead Tactual Performance Test under Severe Environmental Stress

Abstract

Normal soldiers undergoing demanding field maneuvers of varying severity were administered the Halstead Tactual Performance Test (TPT) under rigidly controlled conditions to determine the learning function underlying three administrations of the test, as is customary in diagnostic testing, and to evaluate the effects of environmental stresses on performance. A control group was not subjected to the stressful conditions. Results showed that differing levels of environmental stress did not affect performance. A strong linear trend described the learning function. Letting X = 1, 2, 3 (repeated administrations) and Y = minutes to complete the test, a least squares fit gave the equation Y = 8.48 − 1.69 X. Of 75 Ss, 7 failed to complete the test in 10 min. on the first testing, 4 on the second testing (only one repeat failure) and none failed on the third testing. A dramatic reduction of variability among Ss on the first and second testings suggests that initially poor performance on the TPT may be related to factors other than impairment of the tactual sense modality, but inability to complete the test in 10 min. on the third trial would be distinctly abnormal.