What term refers to the interruption of conscious attention by a non-task-related cue?

The term that refers to the interruption of conscious attention by a non-task-related cue is "distraction." Distraction occurs when an external stimulus or cue pulls focus away from the primary task at hand, making it more difficult to concentrate and effectively perform the operation.

In the context of aerospace physiology, distractions can significantly impact performance, safety, and situational awareness, as they can divert attention from critical tasks that require ongoing focus and cognitive resources. Understanding the nature of distractions is essential for pilots and other aviation professionals, enabling them to develop strategies to mitigate their effects and maintain optimal performance under different conditions.

The other terms, while related to attention and performance, do not encapsulate the specific idea of interruption caused by an external, non-task-related cue. Interference typically refers to the overlap or conflict between two tasks or pieces of information, detriment usually relates to a negative impact or harm resulting from a factor, and inattention denotes a general lack of focus or awareness without the explicit implication of interruption by an external cue.