<p>There are different parameters you can use, but as the question is not clear what exactly you want to do , I think with EEG and Task Load Index (TLI) you are good to go.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The Task load index (TLI) is the so called engagement-index  and  is 
  defined  by  two  formulas,  TLI1  and  TLI2. However, these indices
  were calculated as follows:<br>
  <a href="https://i.sstatic.net/FQ9Ji.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/FQ9Ji.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>
  
  <p>where Pθ and Pα denote the theta- and alpha-band power, respectively.
  Pθ,Fz and Pθ,AFz are the theta activities of Fz and AFz electrodes
  respectively. The θ (theta) activity was calculated by averaging the
  power spectrum of the θ frequency range (4-7.5 Hz). Similarly, Pα,Pz
  and Pα,CPzPOz are the α (alpha) activities of Pz and the pool of CPz
  and POz electrodes, respectively. The α activity was calculated by
  averaging the power spectrum of the α frequency range (8- 12.5)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>This section is exactly quoted from <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226865851_The_Assessment_of_Heart_Rate_Variability_HRV_and_Task_Load_Index_TLI_as_Physiological_Markers_for_Physical_Stress" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this paper</a>. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-05T15:14:04.267Z
Sounds like reasonable advice, but there are some caveats, namely that higher TLI seems associated with higher performance: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25277022
got trolled too much this week
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-05T17:24:28.913Z
That completely make sense, I have seen paper using LZ as a measure of workload, so it really depends on what r u measuring and what you need it for, the interpretation is really important
Majid khalili
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-06T11:01:13.367Z
Thanks both for your comments. It’s to compare mental workload between performing a task in a specific simulator where you must read instructions yourself vs when you can discuss task instructions with an equally competent peer. I believe you will have lower levels of WL when you don’t have to communicate with a peer, however perhaps the fact that you can share your task responsibilities actually positively impacts your WL. I’m not sure how to factor in task performance yet.
Jeyy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-07T12:28:48.907Z
Have you designed the task ? the timing is really important for such a task
Majid khalili
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-08T12:01:19.953Z
I'm currently working with the design, but it will be a well-defined maritime navigation scenario. Interesting, could you please elaborate on your comment about timing, what specifically are you referring to? I really appreciate your consideration.
Jeyy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-08T12:18:37.477Z
I think I have to know more about the experiment, maybe after you finished the design we can discuss about it
Majid khalili
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-05T15:04:05.683Z
2018-01-05T15:04:05.683Z
Majid khalili
<p>What is the current research/industry standard on measuring mental workload using objective measurements (e.g. EEG, eye-tracking)? </p>

<p>Do you have any suggestions for specific tools and techniques? 
Are there combinations of physiological measurements one should consider?</p>

<measurement><methodology><workload>
What is the best unobtrusive and objective method to measure mental workload?
Jeyy
# What is the best unobtrusive and objective method to measure mental workload?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-01-05)

What is the current research/industry standard on measuring mental workload using objective measurements (e.g. EEG, eye-tracking)?

Do you have any suggestions for specific tools and techniques?
Are there combinations of physiological measurements one should consider?

**Tags:** measurement, methodology, workload


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-01-05. Score: 4 | Accepted answer

There are different parameters you can use, but as the question is not clear what exactly you want to do , I think with EEG and Task Load Index (TLI) you are good to go.

> The Task load index (TLI) is the so called engagement-index and is
> defined by two formulas, TLI1 and TLI2. However, these indices
> were calculated as follows:  
> [![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/FQ9Ji.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/FQ9Ji.jpg)
>
> where Pθ and Pα denote the theta- and alpha-band power, respectively.
> Pθ,Fz and Pθ,AFz are the theta activities of Fz and AFz electrodes
> respectively. The θ (theta) activity was calculated by averaging the
> power spectrum of the θ frequency range (4-7.5 Hz). Similarly, Pα,Pz
> and Pα,CPzPOz are the α (alpha) activities of Pz and the pool of CPz
> and POz electrodes, respectively. The α activity was calculated by
> averaging the power spectrum of the α frequency range (8- 12.5)

This section is exactly quoted from [this paper](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226865851_The_Assessment_of_Heart_Rate_Variability_HRV_and_Task_Load_Index_TLI_as_Physiological_Markers_for_Physical_Stress).

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Sounds like reasonable advice, but there are some caveats, namely that higher TLI seems associated with higher performance: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25277022  
> **username_1**: That completely make sense, I have seen paper using LZ as a measure of workload, so it really depends on what r u measuring and what you need it for, the interpretation is really important  
> **username_0**: Thanks both for your comments. It’s to compare mental workload between performing a task in a specific simulator where you must read instructions yourself vs when you can discuss task instructions with an equally competent peer. I believe you will have lower levels of WL when you don’t have to communicate with a peer, however perhaps the fact that you can share your task responsibilities actually positively impacts your WL. I’m not sure how to factor in task performance yet.  
> **username_1**: Have you designed the task ? the timing is really important for such a task  
> **username_0**: I'm currently working with the design, but it will be a well-defined maritime navigation scenario. Interesting, could you please elaborate on your comment about timing, what specifically are you referring to? I really appreciate your consideration.  
> **username_1**: I think I have to know more about the experiment, maybe after you finished the design we can discuss about it  

---

