Doing the same work with hard copy and with cathode-ray tube (CRT) computer terminals

Abstract

Much public concern has centered on possible fatiguing effects of using CRT terminals in one's work. Previous experiments have not carefully distinguished the effects of using a CRT display per se from the effects of the work itself. This experiment studies this problem by having people do the same task with a CRT display and with hard copy. Twenty-four participants proofread from a CRT on one day and from hard copy on another day. No change throughout the day in participants' proofreading performance (speed and accuracy), feelings (about the comfort of their eyes, body, mind, and work), or vision (acuity, contrast, and flicker sensitivity, phoria) could be attributed to using CRT terminals. Participants did proofread from hard copy about 20 to 30% faster than from a CRT, however.