This research was designed to investigate the relationship between Trait-based Individual differences (neuroticism and extraversion) and glare subjective responses as well as the actual contrast sensitivity when exposed to the same manipulated glare condition. In addition, the relationship between the glare subjective responses and actual contrast sensitivity was investigated. To examine the trait-based individual differences, the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) was used while the subjective glare experience was examined utilizing modified glare discomfort rating scale. The visual performance was measured through the contrast sensitivity level using adjustable contrast level of the Landolt's C target. This investigation compared 36 individuals (9 high neuroticism scorers, 9 low neuroticism scorers, 9 high extraversion scorers, and 9 low extraversion scorers) on subjective discomfort glare rating responses and visual contrast sensitivity. The study is directed toward improving our understanding of influencing factors on the experience of discomfort glare, which may eventually be applied to the design of glare measurement methods, and toward training and selection of drivers and workers who may work under conditions of glare. Results indicated significant effect of extraversion trait on rating response while insignificant effect on visual related performance was found. The relationships between rating response and visual performance were also found to be quite low in this study. In conclusion, the expected model was supported but only on the extraversion trait. / Master of Science

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Remotely-controlled technologies are no longer limited to military applications, such as unmanned military airborne weapons or explosive diffuser robots. Nowadays we can see more and more of remotely controlled devices used as medical equipment, toys, and so forth. One of the most recent areas of interest is robotic telepresence, also known as Mobile Robot Presence (MRP), which provides the ability to interact socially and professionally with other people and even objects in remote locations. One of the known issues with using remotely-controlled devices is the cognitive overload which their operators (pilots) experience and MRP pilots are no exception. However, despite vast research on different ways to address this in military or medical scenarios, little has been done regarding MRPs. This thesis study aims to make a contribution in closing that gap by suggesting a method, developing a prototype implementing it; then conducting an empirical assessment of the method and the prototype as a part of a broader study on MRP, supported by Swedish Research Council. I have suggested a method comprised of a Secondary-task (ST) method and Subjective Rating Scales (SRS), in which the latter act as an evaluation method for the former. Both of them were used in an overarching study in search for the best control device amongst four chosen devices. I collected and analyzed secondary task performance data (e.g. response time, error rates), subjective user ratings, explicit rankings, and observations recordings. My analysis of the collected data shows that using a monitoring and response face recognition secondary task is a plausible method for the assessment of MRP pilot’s cognitive load.