Quantifying Startle and Surprise: Development of Measuring Instruments and Validation in an Aviation Context
J. Chen (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M. Mulder – Promotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M.M. van Paassen – Promotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
A. Landman – Copromotor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
Unexpected in-flight events can trigger startle and surprise, which could impair pilots’ performance but remain difficult to measure. This dissertation addresses this gap by developing and validating self-report instruments to quantify startle and surprise in an aviation context.
Grounded in cognitive models, real-world incident analyses, and robust psychometric methods, the Startle and Surprise Inventories (Startle-I; Surprise-I) and Visual Analogue Scales (Startle-VAS; Surprise-VAS) are introduced and evaluated. Results from multi-phase studies involving field experts and professional pilots, provide strong evidence of validity and reliability.
The findings offer a scientifically validated framework for assessing pilots’ responses to unexpected events, with broad implications for human factors research, evidence-based training, and safety-critical operations.