Effect of Hypoxia on Information Integration Capacities

The effect of hypoxia on cognitive processes is an undisputed finding but its extent remains difficult to predict in each particular circumstance. The present study examined the impact of hypoxia on information integration capacities in daily life settings. A sample of 14 students was presented with a series of cards depicting an object a) having a given volume and made of a given substance, and asked to infer its mass;or b) having a given mass and density, and asked to infer its volume; or c) having a given volume and mass, and asked to infer its density. There were three levels of hypoxia situations. In a baseline situation, participants were instructed to put a mask connected with an AltiTrainer (equipment that regulates the oxygen partial pressure provided through the mask) and to perform the three judgment tasks in close succession. The two other situations were similar to the baseline situation except that the AltiTrainer was configured to simulate altitude levels either 1100 m or 3100 m higher than the one in the baseline situation. Contrary to our expectations, no difference in performance was found between the three experimental situations. People’s information integration capacities are not affected by hypoxia, even if acclimatization to it has not taken place, and as far as it is not too severe.