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1 Test Facilities : PSYCHO TECHNICAL DIRECTORATE The directorate has two well equipped labs, Psycho-Technical and Ergonomics laboratory with state-of-the-art techniques available for testing critical safety and efficiency attributes through man-machine interface. The Psycho-Technical Laboratory has various equipments for assessment of psycho-motor abilities and skills through computerised testing. A) Computer Aided Drivers Aptitude Test(CADAT) This test measures specific abilities related to the job of Drivers, such as- Reaction Time, Form Perception, Vigilance, Speed anticipation and some selected attributes of personality. Testing process and calculation of results are totally automatic and the results get generated as soon as the testing is over. The CADAT has been developed for screening of loco pilots prior to their deployment on High Speed Trains. CADAT includes following tests- 1. Depth Perception Test 2. Distribution of Attention Test 3. Simple Reaction Time 4. Rail Sign Test 5. Form Perception Test 6. Visual Differentiating Attention Test 7. Diagnostic Attention Test 8. Speed perception Test 9. Visual Vigilance Test 10. Personality Test 11. Complex Reaction Time 12. Continuous Addition Test 13. Multi Modal Test 14. Embedded Figure Test 15. Group Bourdon Test 16. Mechanical Comprehension- test 17. Clock Test B) Vienna Test System (VTS) This Computerized Psychological test package (VTS) has been imported from Austria. It is in vogue on many European Railways for selection of various categories of employees including train Drivers. It can measure a large number of sensory-motor and cognitive abilities and personality traits of individuals. RDSO is developing a comprehensive plan for switching over to computerized aptitude tests using 1 Downloaded From www.

2 various sub tests of VTS. C) Recently procured benchmarked equipments Flicker Fusion Apparatus The apparatus consists of an eyehole protruding out of the main body fitted with reset button, UP-Down selective switch and display along with a grip button switch. Manufacturer M/s. Takei & Company, Japan The CFF is an indirect, convenient and reliable measure of cortical excitation level. Fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress and intoxicants lower the excitation level of neo-cortex and adversely affect thinking, decision-making, judgment and discrimination. Drop in CFF values indicate low excitation level. The test is used for research in measuring psycho motor/ stress induced fatigue on safety category staff on Indian Railways. So far data on 25 loco pilots has been collected. Digital Speed Anticipation Reaction Tester The appratus consists of a stimulus screen and control elements with a reaction lamp. The apparatus is used to study human movement perception, specially speed and time perception in a wide range of research modes. Manufacturer M/s. Takei & Company, Japan This test gives an objective assessment of subliminal fundamental aptitude for safety. The test is used in research only. Multi-operational Apparatus for Reaction- Time The device consists of a main panel with an optional PsymCon Interface having button and display panel for the main panel. It is an objective device used for the study of cognitive processing. It is possible to organise wide range of experiments involving reaction time, reaction/movement time. 2 Downloaded From www.

3 Manufacturer M/s. Lafayette Instruments, USA It measures reaction time through touch sensitive response keys. The test is used for measuring the reaction time of loco pilots for validating it against the test of complex reaction time of CADAT battery for high speed loco pilots.data on 30 drivers has been collected so far. Pullman Spiral Acquisition and Analysis system The system comes with a grip pen and USB tablet that needs to be connected to a computer to acquire spirals drawn on the tablet. Manufacturer M/s. Lafayette Instruments, USA The equipment is used for study of normal motor control and detecting movement disorders such as Parkinson s disease and tremor disorder or dystonia. On the basis of parameters, it is possible to diagnose presence of motor disorders in a subject without going through elaborate clinical examination. Such diagnosis is of critical importance for operating staff, especially High Speed Train Drivers in higher age-groups. So far data on 12 high speed loco pilots has been collected for ascertaining the presence or absence of any motor disorder. Diagnostic tests Clinical Diagnostic tests for measuring Psycho-metric abnormalities of individuals The laboratory also has a good collection of projective and psycho-metric tests, which are used in clinical appraisal and counselling of staff especially those involved in accidents or showing signs of acute stress. These tests include Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Rorschach, Colour Pyramid Test, Alexander Pass Along Test, Block Design Test, MMPI, etc. Rorschach is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretation, complex scientifically derived algorithms, or both. It is mainly used in case studies of Drivers and ASMs involved in accident to detect their personality characteristics and emotional functioning or an underlying thought disorder, leading to the mishap. 3 Downloaded From www.

4 The Ergonomics Laboratory was established at PTD in The mission of the Ergonomics Laboratory is to conduct research in the areas of occupational biomechanics, occupational safety and cognitive ergonomics. The Laboratory has the facility of measurement and control of stress with the aid of biofeedback equipment. Advanced Biofeedback system Biofeedback is a well-established technique for management of stress and stress related psycho-somatic disorders. It provides a sleek wireless module for capturing readings on physiological parameters, which are recognised as pointers of stress, viz., Skin conductance, Pulse rate and amplitude, Temperature and Breathing pattern. Stress Management Programme: A unique and prominent feature of this Laboratory is the Yoga and Meditation practices which are especially helpful in stress management and is an effective way of relaxation. Experiments on controlling alcoholism and deaddiction through yoga have also been successful. 4 Downloaded From www.

5 Aptitude Test on Indian Railways Other Facilities Apart from serving to the requirements of Indian Railways, the Directorate, in the recent past, has also rendered services to public sector undertakings viz., the Konkan Railways, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, DAME, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and some Engineering colleges. It is now open to undertake assignments from academic institutes and private sector also in the area of job analysis, personnel selection, professional counseling, evaluation of training programmes, stress management and rehabilitation. For the Educational Institutions the directorate offers testing and counseling services for career selection, placement and adjustment. Facilities include- 1. Aptitude tests (assessing mainly the scholastic achievement and basic cognitive functions) 2. Personality tests (Rorschach, MMPI, TAT, NEO, EPI, 16PF. GZTS, etc.) Public and Private sector can avail of the numerous facilities offered by the Psycho-Technical Directorate according to their specific needs. The financial compensation for the services depends on the complexity and quantum of work. Services include 1. Job analysis, 2. Competence testing, 3. Personality tests (Rorschach, MMPI, TAT, NEO, etc.), 4. ment of Job satisfaction, Attitude, Communication skills, etc. 5 Downloaded From www.

6 Highlights Workshops on Motivation and Stress Management: Regular workshops on Motivation and Stress Management are conducted for the benefit of the Railway employees with a motive to make them aware of the causative factors of stress, resulting impact on work/behaviour and the various techniques to control the stress. Session on Psychology of adjustment, Psycho-therapy, alternate therapies like, Reiki, Acupressure, Pranik healing, Yoga and Pranayam and also Energy Healing techniques are taken up for the purpose. 6 Downloaded From www.