Midterm Examination: NASA Task Load Index and Metabolism Analysis

This assignment delves into the analysis of the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) and its application in evaluating workload acceptability, specifically examining a midterm examination scenario. The solution begins by explaining the TLX's multi-dimensional nature, which assesses aspects like mental and physical demands, and then assesses the workload of the midterm exam. The assignment also explores the relationship between physical activity and metabolism. It explains how metabolic rates change during exercise and the factors influencing these changes, such as exercise intensity and duration. References to relevant research papers are included to support the analysis. The assignment emphasizes the importance of physical activity for individuals engaging in high-energy jobs, highlighting the need to prepare the body for increased metabolic demands.

Running head: ILLUSTRATING ACTUAL EXPERIENCE
1
Illustrating Actual Experience Using NASA TLX Rating Scale
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation

ILLUSTRATING ACTUAL EXPERIENCE USING NASA TLX RATING SCALE 2
Illustrating Actual Experience Using NASA TLX Rating Scale
Question 1
NASA Task Load Index (TLX) rating scale is a six-point scale that measures workload
acceptability from low to high. Since it is multi-dimensional, it measures various aspects such as
"mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, own performance, effort, and frustration"
(Eitrheim & Fernandes, 2016). At a scale of 3 which falls below the average given that the scale
runs to 6, the workload had minimal demand in the aspects of mental and physical requirements.
According to Eitrheim & Fernandes (2016), "Workload level below 50 were perceived as
acceptable." Since the score falls below the average which is also below 50, the workload of the
midterm examination is acceptable.
Question 2
The rate of metabolism changes depending on the activities taking place in the body.
During physical activities, the metabolic rate increases rapidly to provide sufficient energy to
sustain the process. It is worth noting that the rate of metabolism remains fairly constant as soon
as the person stops taking the task. The rate of metabolism at this state depends on the intensity
of the activity previously undertaken. For a vigorous exercise, the rate of metabolism remains
high for a longer duration compared to light exercises. The rate does not drop because the system
expends calories at a faster speed than during normal rest (Maraghy, 2018). Since the duration
and intensity of exercise determines that rate of metabolism after the activity, individuals
engaging in jobs requiring a lot of energy should be physically active and perform intensive
exercise to prepare the system for the high rate of metabolism.

ILLUSTRATING ACTUAL EXPERIENCE USING NASA TLX RATING SCALE 3
References
Eitrheim, M. H. R., & Fernandes, A. (2016). The NASA Task Load Index for rating workload
acceptability. Industrial Psychology Dep., Institute of Energy Technology, Norway.
Maraghy, W. E. (2018). Physiology: Environmental Threats & Disasters, Fatigue and Safety
[Lecture Notes].