Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides reliable results for determining cognitive load based on averaged cortical blood flow during multiple repetitions of short cognitive tasks. At the same time, it remains unclear how to use this technique for assessing cognitive load during prolonged single-trial activity. In this study we used a computer-based emergency simulation game for inducing different levels of cognitive load. We propose a novel approach to measure cognitive load using specific time slots, determined based on simulation log-data interpreted in light of Barrouillet's timebased resource-sharing model. To validate this approach we compared cortical activity in DLPFC and left IFG regions measured at four specific time slots during a simulation. We found significant associations between cognitive load and neuronal activity within the DLPFC depending on the chosen time slot, whereas no such dependencies were found for the IFG. These results illustrate how knowledge of task structure could be used advantageously for the identification of cognitive load. Although requiring further investigation in terms of reliability and generalizability, the presented approach can be considered promising evidence that fNIRS might be suitable for more general reliable assessments of cognitive load during prolonged single-trial activities and for real-time adaptations in simulationbased learning environments.
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