Investigation of frustration

Abstract

Frustration often occur in an interaction with a technical device. It has a strong impact on the quality of interaction and should be carefully considered in planning how humans and machines should interact with each other.

In this study, the measurability of frustration with subjective (questionnaires) and objective (electrocardiogram and electromyogram) methods and the influence on user state factors (like dominance, self-confidence, and performance) in an emotion induction task was examined. The sample size was 20 participants.

Here we show that the induced frustration could be measured with questionnaires. Furthermore, positive correlations between frustration and mental demand and self-reported performance, as well as negative correlations between frustration and dominance and self-confidence were observed. The psychophysiological methods also indicate differences between the frustrated group (FRUST-group) and the control group (NOFRUST-group).

Even if the frustration is only psychologically perceived, it should be determined how frustration could be detected and minimized. The information and the knowledge about underlying processes and relationships could be used for a better human-machine interaction.