bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Models of User Assistance
Authors: Cohill Andrew M.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses two general models of user interaction in the context of user assistance (HELP) and their implications for design. Conceptual and quantitative models provide software engineers with tools that can aid them in the interface design process. The conceptual model presented is derived using a hermeneutic approach to the analysis of human-computer interaction. The interaction is modeled as a set of states and transitions between states. This suggests that user assistance should have a more central role in the design of the system. The quantitative model is derived from a study of the existing literature, and provides a framework for analyzing performance issues at the human-computer interface, using metrics like response time, keystrokes, error rates, and task completion rates. The model contains seven components, covering user characteristics, information type, structure, user knowledge, presentation, control, and access.
Layout, Organization, and the Effectiveness of Consumer Product Warnings
Authors: Desaulniers David R.
Published: January 2012

Three experiments are presented examining the effects of warning layout (spatial structure) and organization (semantic structure) on the readability and memorability of warning information. In Experiment 1 these factors were tested in a 2 (levels of layout) x 3 (levels of organization) factorial design. The two levels of layout were the typical paragraph format and an experimental version having the appearance of an outline. Warning content was organized according to hazard, type of statement, or randomly. Warnings were ranked according to three criteria; eye appeal, ease of processing, and effectiveness. In general, warnings in outline layout and type of hazard organization were ranked as having greater eye appeal, easier to process, and more effective than alternative organization-layout conditions. In Experiments 2 and 3, only warning layout was manipulated and a cover story was used to elicit reading and compliance behaviors likely to occur in the home. Experiment 2 results indicate that, when asked to read the warnings, subjects spent less time reading warnings in paragraph layout than warnings in oultine layout. In Experiment 3, the decision to read the warning was at the discretion of the subjects. Results indicated that warnings in outline layout were read and complied with by a larger proportion of subjects than warnings in paragraph layout. Implications for warning design and future research are discussed.
Decision Support for Workload Assessment: Introducing WC FIELDE
Authors: Casper Patricia A. , Shively Robert J. , Hart Sandra G.
Published: January 2012

Currently there is a great demand for mental workload evaluation in the course of system design and modification. In light of this demand, a microprocessor-based decision support system has been created called WC FIELDE: Workload Consultant for FIELD Evaluation. The system helps the user select workload measures appropriate to his or her application from the large pool of currently available techniques. Both novices and those with some workload experience may benefit from using WC FIELDE, since the system's operation is entirely transparent and all rules involved in the decision process are available for the user to examine. WC FIELDE recommends several assessment methodologies in decreasing order of appropriateness, and provides additional information on each measure at the end of the program in the form of text files.
Raising Control/Display Efficiency with Rapid Communication Display Technology
Authors: Matin Ethel , Boff Kenneth R. , Donovan Rebecca
Published: January 2012

Basic research related to the development of a new visual display technology is described. Essentially, this technology enables the serial presentation of independent frames of visual information via a single display window. Experiment 1 compared the serial display with a conventional display consisting of three spatially separated windows which subjects accessed by making saccadic eye movements. The performance measure was time per frame of information for 90% correct responding, called the duration threshold. Large time differences were found, with faster information communication for the serial display in all subjects. Experiment 2 measured the duration threshold in a serial display as a function of the number of sequentially presented frames, which varied between one and twelve. Word search and word recognition tasks were studied. The results showed an approximately linear increase in threshold with number of frames for both tasks.
Investigation into the Oscillatory Behaviour of the Spinal Column under Whole Body Vibration
Authors: Bonney R A , Corlett E N
Published: January 2012

Studies are under way to look at the effects of vibration under spinal load. Studies have shown that static load can be identified by measuring changes of stature, but when the spine is vibrated changes of stature do not show the same simple relationship to estimated load.

It is deduced that the spine may be oscillating in a complex way which introduces nodes at different points along its wave length. Experiments will be described to show how these phenomena are being investigated and the results will be discussed.
Biomechanical Effects of Force Exertions While Kneeling
Authors: Haslegrave C.M. , Tracy M. , Corlett E.N.
Published: January 2012

Even in high technology industries, many tasks in repair and maintenance involve heavy manual work and are often carried out in awkward and confined spaces. In such situations workers have great difficulty in obtaining access to components and may need to adopt harmful body postures while applying high forces. These tasks are being studied in the laboratory using a CODA-3 optical scanner to record postures. The aim is to investigate the strength and reach capabilities of workers, and to develop better techniques for assessing the safety and acceptability of such tasks.

One of the postures which has been studied is kneeling, for tasks which occur for instance in mining or in aircraft maintenance. Reach distance and direction of operation of controls or handtools both have a large influence on strength capability and the relationships between these and the posture adopted are discussed in the paper.
Effects of Task Loading and Time on Recognition Memory Performance
Authors: Jung Eui S. , Goldberg Joseph H.
Published: January 2012

Employee testing and evaluation often requires a sensitive measure of memory capability. Recognition memory is tested by those tasks which require the determination of the identity of previously presented information. In order to obtain an accurate estimate of one's discriminability in recognition memory, the decrement in sensitivity has to be distinguished from a mere criterion shift or response bias. Previous researchers found that vigilance decrements result from a decrease in perceptual sensitivity when signal discrimination loads memory and signal event rate is high. In the present study, discriminability over time was combined with various memory loads in a recognition memory experiment. Eight subjects were tested in two fifty-minute sessions, using 360 three-digit random numbers. A one-way ANOVA showed that the lag factor was significant for two parametric sensitivity measures. When the lag increased by five or more intervening numbers, a significant decrement in sensitivity was found. Below this level of memory load, no decrements in sensitivity were found.
Adaptive Questionnaire Applications
Authors: Taylor Bruce H.
Published: January 2012

An adaptive questionnaire is a hierarchically organized test instrument that employs contingency branching and automated question selection to focus subjective judgments on issues of maximal concern. Successful demonstrations of the adaptive questionnaire approach have prompted the development of an automated adaptive questionnaire computer program that provides substantial new capabilities for the construction and employment of adaptive questionnaires and checklists. This paper describes those capabilities and discusses several applications to test and evaluation problems.
Development of a Test Battery and Rating Scale for Morse Intercept Operators
Authors: Carter F.L. , Rappold V.A. , Knapp B.G. , Irizarry V.C.
Published: January 2012

In an effort to reduce attrition during basic morse code training required for the Military Occupational Speciality 05H (Morse Code Intercept Operators), new measures are being sought to improve present selection methods used at the US Army Intelligence School, Ft. Devens. A test battery was used to evaluate whether certain psychological attributes (e.g. musical ability, short-term memory, attention, perceptual speed) are related to job performance. A likert-type rating scale, using 05H critical behaviors, was developed to assess on-the-job operator performance. Results revealed that (1) portions of the test battery were correlated with successful 05H performance as measured by the rating scale, and (2) some tests which did not predict performance discriminated between 05H operators and the general population. Identification of potentially predictive tests from this effort will provide the basis for the construction of a test battery to supplement current selection techniques.
Measured Impact of a Mandated Warning on User Behavior
Authors: McCarthy G.E. , Horst D.P. , Beyer R.R. , Robinson J.N. , McCarthy R.L.
Published: January 2012

Two groups of expectant first-time mothers were asked to examine an automobile infant restraint and its instruction label, then to install the restraint in an automobile. The label for one group was presented in a warning format, as now required by federal regulation, while the label for the other group was not. Error rates were higher for the warning-label group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Most subjects rated the labels as “Good” or “Very Good”, whether or not they installed the restraints correctly. Results illustrate that, in some situations, clear and direct instructions can be at least as effective as a warning in eliciting the desired behavior, and that subjective ratings of labels are not necessarily valid predictors of impact on behavior.
Effects of Visual Display and Motion System Delays on Operator Performance and Uneasiness in a Driving Simulator
Authors: Frank Lawrence H. , Casali John G. , Wierwille Walter W.
Published: January 2012

The role of visual-motion coupling delays and cueing order on operator performance and uneasiness was assessed in a driving simulator by means of a response surface methodology central-composite design. The most salient finding of the study was that visual delay appears to be more disruptive to an individual's control performance and well-being than motion delay. Empirical multiple regression models were derived to predict 10 reliable measures of simulator operator driving performance and comfort. Principal components analysis on these 10 models decomposed the dependent measures into two significant models which were labeled vestibular disruption and degraded performance. Examination of the empirical models revealed that, for asynchronous delay conditions, better performance and well-being were achieved when the visual system led the motion system. A secondary analysis of the role of subject gender and perceptual style on susceptibility to simulator sickness revealed that neither of these independent variables was a significant source of variance.
Highlighting and Search Strategy Considerations in Computer—Generated Displays
Authors: Tan Kay C. , Fisher Donald L.
Published: January 2012

Research on the highlighting of alphanumeric information is expanding greatly due to the increasing use of computer-generated displays. The assumed advantage of highlighting a particular selection or target on the display is that it speeds the search process for that information. However, recent work indicates that the enthusiasm for highlighting may be misplaced. In particular, it has been found that subjects can take longer to identify a target when highlighting is used than when no highlighting is used, at least when the number of options in the display is kept relatively small. One of the purposes of this study is to determine whether highlighting degrades performance when the number of options is increased substantially.
Organization: Critical for Holistic Processing
Authors: Jensen Dean G.
Published: January 2012

Previous research has indicated that categorizing stimuli containing multi-dimensional information was better when the stimuli were schematic human faces than if they were either polygons or number matrices. It has also been shown that faces are perceived holistically, and that faces with organized inner features are detected more quickly than faces with unorganized inner features. This study used the speeded classification task and found that faces with organized inner features are perceived holistically whereas faces with unorganized inner features showed little evidence for holistic processing. These results suggest that information about organized faces is perceived very efficiently. The implications for using a face as a data display are discussed.
Is Selective Screening of Older Drivers for Vision Feasible?
Authors: Briggs Raymond P.
Published: January 2012

The relationship between visual impairment and automobile accident involvement strongly suggests the need to test the vision of older drivers. An automated visual testing device controlled by a small computer has been used to present a package of visual tests for screening purposes. The feasibility of this approach for older drivers is explored.
Understanding Direct Manipulation Interfaces
Authors: Wolf Catherine G.
Published: January 2012

Direct manipulation interfaces are becoming increasingly popular, yet we do not have a good understanding of what makes them successful or not. The objective of the symposium is to provide a better understanding of the class of user interfaces referred to as “direct manipulation interfaces”. To accomplish this goal, the symposium brings together people who are working on the design and evaluation of direct manipulation systems and/or performing issues-oriented research on direct manipulation. The symposium will address topics such as:

• What is “direct manipulation”? • Varieties of direct manipulation interfaces • How do direct manipulation interfaces differ from conventional command language interfaces? • What are direct manipulation interfaces good/not good for? • Designing a better interface: challenges for the future
The Search for Underlying Internal Processes (UIPS)
Authors: Wherry Robert J.
Published: January 2012

The Underlying Internal Processes (UIP) theory, its associated design and data analysis techniques, and initial applications of the UIP approach to studying and modeling human performance for complex task domains are summarized. The UIP approach represents major methodological changes in how researchers may analyze complex task performance and identify UIPs required by those tasks.
A Comparative Assessment of Computer-Based Media for Presenting Job Task Instructions
Authors: Nugent William A.
Published: January 2012

This study compared the effects of previous task training/experience and alternative methods for presenting procedural instructions on job task performance. Six computer-based presentation methods were examined on four types of oscilloscope operator tasks. The presentation methods were text-only, audio-only, text-audio, text-graphics, audio-graphics, and text-audio-graphics. Results showed that regardless of the subjects' prior training and experience, the most efficient and effective task performances were obtained through a combination of audio and graphics media; an effect which can be further enhanced by the addition of redundant task instructions in textual form. The practical applications and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Telerobotic Control of a Dextrous Manipulator Using Master and Six-Dof Hand Controllers for Space Assembly and Servicing Tasks
Authors: O'Hara John M.
Published: January 2012

Two studies were conducted evaluating methods of controlling a telerobot: bilateral force reflecting master controllers and proportional rate six degrees of freedom (DOF) hand controllers. The first study compared the controllers on performance of single manipulator arm tasks, a peg-in-the-hole task, and simulated satellite orbital replacement unit changeout. The second study, a Space Station truss assembly task, required simultaneous operation of both manipulator arms (all 12 DOFs) and complex multiaxis slave arm movements. Task times were significantly longer and fewer errors were committed with the hand controllers. The hand controllers were also rated significantly higher in cognitive and manual control workload on the two-arm task. The master controllers were rated significantly higher in physical workload. There were no significant differences in ratings of manipulator control quality.
Human-Telerobot Interactions: Information, Control, and Mental Models
Authors: Smith Randy L. , Gillan Douglas J.
Published: January 2012

NASA is currently working on the Space Station which will be a permanently manned orbiting space laboratory when it becomes operational in the mid 1990's. A part of the Space Station will be a teleoperated robot (telerobot) with arms for grasping and manipulation, feet for holding onto objects, and television cameras for visual feedback. The objective of the work described in this paper is to develop the requirements and specifications for the user-telerobot interface and to determine through research and testing that the interface results in efficient system operation. The focus of the development of the user-telerobot interface is on the information required by the user, user inputs, and design of the control workstation. Closely related to both the information required by the user and the user's control of the telerobot is the user's mental model of the relation of the control inputs and the telerobot's actions.
Task, Seat Adjustability, and Postural Change
Authors: Dainoff Marvin J. , Mark Leonard , Moritzy Robert , Vogele David
Published: January 2012

Modern ergonomic chairs provide a variety of adjustment capabilities. Chairs may afford a posture in which the operator is tilted forward, or leaning backward. Recent studies suggest that the former posture is optimal for copy intensive work while the latter is optimal for screen intensive work. However, clear instruction to operators regarding these relationship is important. At the same time, some chair mechanisms allow postural adjustments to be fixed at a variety of orientations, while others “float” with the movement of the operator. Findings of the current study replicate earlier work with fixed mechanisms, while indicating that postural adjustments with dynamic chairs will critically depend on contextual factors such as adjustability of seat height.
Scenario Analyses of Finger Injuries in Industrial Accidents
Authors: Jensen Dean G.
Published: January 2012

Injuries to fingers accounted for the highest proportion of injuries (17%) during a five year period in a large petro-chemical manufacturing complex. The injuries occurred most frequently for those jobs that involve manipulating tools, machinery, and materials. Scenario analyses carried out on the 1223 finger injuries indicated that the most common prior activities were assembling or disassembling equipment (32%) and materials handling (28%), accident events were impact with an object (40%) or a tool that slipped or missed the workpiece (27%), and injury events were being caught between objects (25%), being hit by moving objects (19%), or being cut by objects (13%). Some suggestions for interventions follow from these patterns.
Preliminary Recommendations for Handling and Lifting Materials in Underground Low-Coal Mines
Authors: Gallagher Sean , Bobick Thomas G. , Unger Richard L.
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed preliminary recommendations for handling materials in low-seam coal mines in an effort to reduce the incidence and cost of low-back pain in underground coal mines. Three main approaches to reducing back injuries are discussed: a) research and development of task specific materials-handling hardware that would reduce the number of manual lifts in underground coal mines, b) examining the supply-handling systems currently in use at low-seam coal mines through task analysis, and c) examining the lifting capacity of low-seam coal miners in the restricted postures that must be used in underground mines. Bureau of Mines research findings and recommendations are presented and discussed.
Behavioral Effects of Multiple Scba Stressors: Safety Research for Recommending Federal Standards
Authors: Vercruyssen Max , Turner Nina , Mihaly Tina , Hodgson James , Kamon Elie
Published: January 2012

This paper reports the effects of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) stressors and work intensity on mental functioning and reported clinical symptoms. A methodology involving maximal exertion treadmill running (simulation of an emergency-like escape from an underground mine following a disaster) was used in addressing specific issues relevant to the development of safe emergency procedures where the use of SCBAs is warranted.
Computer Conferencing—Can it Help the Army Train?
Authors: Richards Robert E. , Phelps Ruth H.
Published: January 2012

A brief overview of computer conferencing is given as an introduction to discussing the use of computer conferencing to provide Army reserve component training. A description of the Army reserve component training requirements is given relative to those capabilities provided by computer conferencing (e.g. asynchronous). Finally, the study that was performed under contract to the United States Army Research Institute by the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory is described. A two group design was used–a control who took an existing Army course via correspondence only, and an experimental group who took the same course using the same materials augmented by computer conferencing.
Voice Recognition Technology Potential for a Complex Map Query System
Authors: Gardner-Bonneau Daryle Jean , Bonneau John Robert , Ahlström Bengt Martin
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of mouse, keyboard and voice inputs to a complex map database query system. The system, developed at FOA 53 in Linköping, Sweden, is a multi-purpose one; the particular application involved here is one developed for monitoring water traffic on Lake Vättern. In a 4 − 2 within-subjects design, throughput was measured for mouse, keyboard, voice-english, and voice-swedish queries, both pre-composed and user-composed. An error analysis was also conducted. Results of the pilot study indicated that while voice was superior for pre-composed query entry, it was not necessarily superior for the entry of user-composed ones. System changes designed to improve performance in the voice and mouse input modes are discussed.
User-Computer Interface Requirements for Remote Access Data Bases
Authors: Roop Elizabeth A. , Eike David R. , Heasly Christopher C.
Published: January 2012

Remote Access Data Base (RADB) technology offers a variety of opportunities for rapidly acquiring and disseminating information. However, if the exchange of information is to be optimized, issues concerning the RADB user-computer interface (UCI) must be identified and addressed. For the purposes of this study, the major issues in the operation of RADBs focused primarily on the search and retrieval requirements of the remote user, who is unlikely to be willing to devote much time or effort to learn about the data base system. Many remote users will fall into the category of low sophistication with regard to details of the design and operation of the system. To resolve these issues, it is desirable to include features in the RADB UCI which will enhance the effectiveness and power of the search while minimizing the effort required to master use of the system.

Differences in features related to the design and operation of the user-computer interfaces of the various RADB shells were identified from product literature. These differences were translated into questionnaire items designed to allow respondents to indicate the relative importance of each feature. The survey was organized into three areas: user access, search and retrieval protocols, and on-line help. Users ranging in experience from daily access to yearly access, were surveyed. The data were subjected to the appropriate statistical analyses. The preliminary results revealed that query procedures and search and retrieval protocols are of utmost importance to the users surveyed. Guidelines of RADB UCI design were developed from the results of both the surveys and literature reviews.
Managerial and Personnel Considerations of Ergonomics of Technology Transfer to Newly Industrializing Countries
Authors: Mansfeld Michaela
Published: January 2012

The importance of recognizing human factors in technology transfer to Newly Industrializing Countries and identifying the increase in complexity of these factors as the human aspect crosses cultural, ethnic and national boundaries is becoming more evident. These considerations are proving to be major determining factors of the success of the technology transfer projects. This paper cites examples and discuss such differences in anthropometrics, physiological aspects, perceptual and cognitive characteristics, and the managerial considerations of work attitudes, training, and translation. These differences need to be identified not only abroad, but also in the U.S., as business with foreign nationals done in the U.S. increases. In other words, human factors in technology transfer should not be limited to developing countries, but should also be applied to operations within the U.S., as visiting foreign nationals also need to be trained.
Advanced Head-Up Display (HUD) Symbology: Aiding Unusual Attitude Recovery
Authors: Zenyuh John P , Reising John M , McClain James E , Barbato Diana J , Hartsock David C
Published: January 2012

The head-up displays (HUD's) of today's fighter aircraft present numerous symbology formats to the pilot which are essential for successful perfomance of a variety of flight tasks from navigation to weapons delivery. One common element in all of these formats is the pitch ladder, designed to provide the pilot with aircraft attitude even in the absence of external visual cues. Unlike the head down attitude director indicator (ADI), the HUD pitch ladder's intent is to aid the pilot in recovering from an unusual attitude while staying head-up. The purpose of this research was to compare the relative effectiveness of two changes to current pitch ladder symbology designed to enhance the pilot's ability to recover from unusual attitudes –the use of angled pitch bars versus standard straight pitch bars, and multicolor versus the standard monochromatic symbology. The results showed that, in extreme unusual attitudes, the use of both the angled pitch bars and color contributed to better flight performance. In the non-extreme attitudes however, where the horizon line is always visible, the standard symbology was sufficient for recovery.
A Field Evaluation of Office Chairs
Authors: Burri George J. , Czaja Sara J. , Drury Colin G. , Helander Martin G.
Published: January 2012

Ten ergonomic office chairs, chosen from a sample of eighty-four, were evaluated in an ergonomic field study. Twenty office employees used each of the chairs for one day. The chairs were evaluated using four different methods: a chair feature evaluation checklist, a ranking procedure, general comfort and body part discomfort ratings. The first two methods produced positive results, including significant differences between the chairs. The chair users generally had difficulties in perceiving and expressing their comfort and discomfort associated with the latter two methods. The study identified several distinct features related to chair comfort, including the design of the seat pan, back rest, arm rests and ease of adjustability.
Human Factors Evaluation of Gas Turbine Expert System
Authors: Koch Christopher G.
Published: January 2012

A research and development project is under way to specify, design, construct, and evaluate a user interface system to meet the unique requirements of a delivery vehicle for a knowledge-based system applied to gas turbine electronics maintenance and trouble-shooting. The prototype user interface is a portable device with text display, video and overlay graphics display, voice recognition and speech production, special-function keypad, and printer. A modular software structure based on a serial communications protocol between user interface device and expert system host computer provides flexibility, expandability, and a simple, effective user interface dialog. A human factors field evaluation is being conducted to assess aspects of system usability: device hardware, system operability, information presentation effectiveness, and user training.
A Methodology for System Redesign: Automating an Outdated Purchasing System
Authors: Carlson Linda , Hammer Ann , Mathis Amy , Pawlowski James , Schwalm Robert , White Robert
Published: January 2012

This presentation discusses the approach to and results of a major program to redesign the purchasing system of a large corporation. The discussion summarizes the methodology used to evaluate the existing system and to recommend a work environment for the new system.
The Effects of an Automated Maintenance Management System on Organizational Communication
Authors: Bauman Marjorie B. , Churchill-Teran Donna , Van Cott Harold P.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) sponsored case studies of two nuclear power plants that automated their maintenance management system in an effort to improve maintenance processing. These case studies evaluated the impact of an automated maintenance management system (AMMS) on the organizational interfaces and information requirements of a variety of system users. The goal of the project was to provide guidance to the electric power industry in maintenance management system design. A product of the investigation was a set of guidelines for use by utilities in conducting a front-end functional requirements analysis to help define major information requirements and organizational and data file interfaces.
Comparing Three-Dimensional Representations of Data to Scatterplots
Authors: Jensen Cary Robb , Anderson Loy A.
Published: January 2012

Jensen (1985) described a method for presenting data in a three-dimensional format that would typically be presented in a scatterplot. The present paper compared these two methods of presenting data. Twenty-four subjects, all of whom had completed an undergraduate class in statistics, were presented with sets of graphs depicting bi-variaté data that varied in correlation from about 0.0 to about .99. Three different data groups were depicted as both scatterplots and as three-dimensional graphs. Subjects rank ordered these sets of graphs on the basis of the degree of relationship present. For each set of graphs the order the subject chose was compared with the known order using Spearman's rho. In the early trials performance was better with the scatterplots, but by the last trial there was no difference between presentation methods for two out of the three data groups presented. The implications and limitations of these data are discussed.
A Detection Theory Method for the Analysis of Visual and Auditory Displays
Authors: Sorkin Robert D. , Robinson Donald E. , Berg Bruce G.
Published: January 2012

A signal detection method for evaluating different display codes and formats is described. The method allows one to determine how an observer aggregates information from multiple element displays. The method can be used to assess the relative importance of specific spatial or sequential elements of the display. The efficacy of different formats and arrangements thus can be compared. The paper describes the theoretical basis for the method and briefly summarizes data from several types of visual and auditory displays.
Estimating Positions and Speeds of Objects on the CRT after the Screen goes Blank
Authors: Malmstrom Frederick V. , Perez William A. , Brezovic Christopher P.
Published: January 2012

In this study, 24 subjects with 20/20 correctible vision participated in a 3 − 3 − 2 visual estimation experiment. The stimulus was a dot or “ball” bouncing clockwise around a 12° visual angle square according to laws of ideal physics. At the end of the first collision, the ball disappeared, and subjects were then required to estimate where on each wall the ball would subsequently impact. The ball was presented at speeds of 3.5°, 6.7°, 10.0° visual angle/sec. Results indicated that there was a linear relationship in the times required to estimate the positions of the ball after 1, 2, and 3 bounces; however, the positional accuracy deteriorated rapidly after 3 bounces and about 8 seconds. Results also suggested that the speed at which the moving stimulus is observed also influences the speed at which one later imagines the moving object. We believe there is a “default” speed at which subjects optimally prefer to imagine moving objects, and that speed is around 5° to 8° of visual angle/sec. We suggest that simple motion presented on CRT displays might be accurately projected ahead by the subject when it is presented at this default speed.
Achievement of Organizational Effectiveness: Success Cases and Challenges for the Future of Human Factors
Authors: Alluisi Earl A. , Bachert Robert F. , Dray Susan M. , Gallaway Glen R. , Gatchell Susanne M. , Hendrick Hal W. , Hoffman Mark S.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this panel session was to expose participants to the many different evolving roles of human factors engineering in today's industries. Discussants were senior human factors professionals representing computer, government, military, automotive, and commercial industries. Successes and challenges for the human factors profession were identified in each type of industry. Panel discussions focused around the functional roles of human factors within organizations and identifying critical skills necessary for the human factors practitioners to be successful. A synopsis of the views presented during the panel discussions is presented below.
Key Army Decision Maker Concerns about Training Performance Measurement and Assessment
Authors: Andrews Dee H.
Published: January 2012

This study explored an area of Army training performance measurement and assessment (PMA) which has apparently not been examined. It provides an understanding about Army training PMA requirements and uses, and reveals a number of PMA issues which should be more closely examined in the future. The methodology adapted for the study combined elements of Policy Capturing Analysis with elements of Policy Implications Analysis and the Delphi Technique.
Computer Related Training: A case study comparison between government and industry
Authors: Adams Albert
Published: January 2012

To learn how Human Factors Research can help top management create better training a case study comparison is made of two new training departments one in a large manufacturing corporation and the other in a state government. Using the findings from participant observer and thermodynamic system techniques two lists for training improvement are derived: 1. Training Department Manager's Check List and 2. Future Human Factors Research.
Use of Structured Development Techniques to Specify the User-System Interface
Authors: Waters Robert M.
Published: January 2012

The Human Factors Engineering products from the systems requirements phase of system development were transformed into techniques consistent with structured software development techniques. These techniques supported definition of the mission functions with the context diagram, the task list was compatible with the event list, and high level functional flow diagrams are consistent with the structured data flow diagrams. In addition, the sequenced task analysis procedures used provided a structured diagraming methodology in state transition diagrams. This technique provided a method for defining MMI requirements in software engineering terminology.
Usability Testing and Requirements Derivation for EMU-Compatible Electrical Connectors
Authors: Reaux Ray A. , Griffin Thomas J. , Lewis Ruthan
Published: January 2012

On-orbit servicing of payloads is simplified when a spacecraft has been designed for serviceability. A key design criterion for a serviceable spacecraft is standardization of electrical connectors. The following research investigated the effects of extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) glove size, connector size, and connector type on usability of electrical connectors. An experiment was conducted exploring participants' ability to mate and demate connectors in an evacuated glovebox. Independent variables were two EMU glove-sizes, five connector size groups, and seven connector types. Significant differences in performance times and heart rate changes during mate and demate operations were found between EMU glove sizes, among connector types, and connector sizes. Subjective assessments of connectors were collected from participants with a usability questionnaire. The data were used to derive design recommendations for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recommended EMU-compatible electrical connector.
Evaluation of Mobile Telecommunication Systems
Authors: Karis Demetrios , Zeigler Bonnie L.
Published: January 2012

Mobile telephony exhibits transmission characteristics and user-interface features distinct from traditional telephony. To study these differences in systems designed for use in commercial airplanes, trains, and automobiles, we used a variety of techniques, including both laboratory and field observations. We found that mobile telephony, viewed from the user's perspective, is quite different from traditional telephone service. In the present paper, we review the assessment techniques that we employed, and consider their strengths and weaknesses for characterizing the performance of mobile telecommunication systems. Our results indicate that there are five major sources of potential user-interface problems in mobile telephony: (1) use of credit cards; (2) system delays; (3) lack of coordination among multiple sources of feedback; (4) the mechanism for completing multiple calls without credit-card reentry; (5) voice dialing. Because solving the problems we have identified does not require new or overly expensive technology, solutions are fairly straightforward to implement during the early design period. However, once units have been manufactured and installed, it can be both very difficult and very expensive to recover from the problems we have identified.
Its a New Method for Computer Application Development and Prototyping
Authors: Gould John D. , Boies Stephen J. , Greene Sharon L. , Bennett William
Published: January 2012

Perhaps the one thing that user interface designers most want is tools that will help them (a) quickly visualize their work; (b) carry it out more efficiently and faster; and (c) do iterative design; and (d) allow them to do more work without the need of programmers. An on-going research project (called ITS) is responding to these challenges by developing software tools for user interface and application development, together with providing a run-time environment for application execution. There are four key concepts. First, ITS separates the style of an application from the content of an application. Human-computer interface styles are general, rule-based, under parameter control, and designed to handle a variety of applications. Second, ITS envisions four general work roles in application design and development: content experts, content programmers, style experts, and style programmers. Third, end users do four operations: make choices, fill in forms, manipulate lists, and read information blocks. Fourth, ITS aims at creating software tools for each work role.
Development and Testing of an Evaluation Procedure for User Interface Management Systems (UIMS)
Authors: Hix Deborah , Tan Kay C. , Schulman Robert S.
Published: January 2012

A user interface management system or UIMS is an interactive system for supporting the design, production, and execution of human-computer interfaces. This paper reports on the development and empirical testing of an evaluation procedure to produce quantifiable criteria for evaluating and comparing UIMS. The form-based evaluation procedure results in quantitative ratings along two dimensions: functionality and usability. Specification/implementation techniques used by a UIMS are also quantitatively rated. An empirical study has indicated that the procedure produces reliable, useful results.
Designing Help Systems Using the GOMS Model: An Information Retrieval Evaluation
Authors: Elkerton Jay , Palmiter Susan
Published: January 2012

Using the GOMS model (Card, Moran, and Newell, 1983), a help system was developed which was complete and well structured. The content of this help system was determined from the goals, operators, methods, and selection rules needed to perform HyperCard™ authoring tasks. The index to these methods, which was an integrated part of the system, was determined from the hierarchical goal tree provided by the GOMS analysis. To determine the effectiveness of using GOMS as a design aid for help systems, the GOMS help system was compared to a state-of-the art interface developed by Apple® Computer which was modified slightly for experimental purposes (Original help system). Two groups of 14 users, using one of the two help systems, retrieved help information about 56 tasks separated into 4 sessions. The results indicated that the GOMS users were significantly faster than the Original users with the largest speed difference occurring in the first session. However, no reliable differences were found for retrieval accuracy between the two groups. This is not surprising since the Original help system was found to have 85.9% of the procedural information contained in the GOMS help system. Interestingly, participants subjectively rated the GOMS help system higher than the Original help system. Overall, the results from this information retrieval study suggest that a GOMS model can aid in the development of help systems which are easy to use, easy to learn, and well liked.
An Expert System for the Selection of Input Devices
Authors: Adolf Jurine
Published: January 2012

This research effort consisted of the development and implementation of a user interface model in an expert system. The model, User-Input Device Model (UIDM), was composed of three parts: user, device, and task components. The expert system, Input Device Selection Assistant (IDSA), applied primary and secondary measures of ergonomic criteria on combinations of the UIDM components to develop a knowledge base for the selection of an input device. Personal Consultant Plus provided the inference engine to determine the most appropriate device. Results of experimentation and experience taken from human factors literature composed the expertise.
The National Research Council Committee on Human Factors
Authors: Van Cott Harold P.
Published: January 2012

The Committee on Human Factors, a standing committee of the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS/NRC), advises its sustaining sponsors and other requesting organizations on issues involved in the design of socio-technical systems and on the research and methods needed to help enhance their operability and safety. This paper describes the origins, purposes, operations and program of the committee and emphasizes the special attributes of this and other NAS/NRC commtittees.
Methods for Combining Human Factors Research Results Meta-Analysis
Authors: Anderson Nancy S.
Published: January 2012

Meta-analysis has been used frequently for combining research results across a series of studies. A brief review of those content areas of the social and behavioral sciences using meta-analysis is presented and reasons are suggested why these techniques are not presently used by human factors specialists.
The Effects of 48 Hours Total Sleep Deprivation on Human Physiology, Mood, and Memory
Authors: Rankin Mary L. , Latham Georgia , Peters Robert D. , Penetar David M.
Published: January 2012

Previous research regarding the effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on human physiology and mood has yielded conflicting results. These findings may in part be due to the use of small sample sizes and the failure to separate out the pure effects of SD from those of circadian rhythms during data analysis. One purpose of this study was to clearly identify the effects of 48 hours of SD on blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and mood by overcoming the limitations of previous research. A second purpose was to evaluate the effects of SD on recognition memory. A repeated measures design was employed to collect physiological, mood, and memory data over a 48 hour period. While strong circadian rhythms were observed for most of the physiological and mood variables, recognition memory was unaffected by 48 hours of SD.
Three Dimensional Measures of Trunk Motion Components during Manual Materials Handling in Industry
Authors: Marras W.S. , Sudhakar L.R. , Lavender S.A.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to monitor and document the three dimensional spine motion components experienced during the performance of industrial work that is associated with various risks of low back disorder (LBD). An industrial study was performed that examined on-the-job trunk motions of 64 workers from 13 different industries. Trunk range of motion, velocity and acceleration were documented. Worker anthropometry, health history, external load moments, job satisfaction and risk (identified from OSHA 200 logs) were also recorded for the various jobs. The results identified and quantified those trunk motion characteristics as well as other workplace variables that were associated with high risk jobs. A regression model of job related LBD risk was also created based upon this information. The relationship between these motions and biomechanical loading of the spine as well as means to reduce the risk of LBD in the work place (based upon this study) are discussed.
Safety of Back! What is the Margin?
Authors: Kumar Shrawan , Mital Anil
Published: January 2012

Despite many efforts to control low-back pain problem it still continues to be a concern. Since the causation of low-back pain is under multifactorial control, it will always be the factor most vulnerable at a given time which will determine safety. The present study is an integrative inferential synthesis of the published work to discern the margin of safety. An attempt has been made to conclude, on the basis of objective evidence, an all encompassing criteria to ensure system safety. Though psychophysical approach integrates biomechanical and physiological variables the role of sensory conditioning needs to be addressed.
Evaluating the Effects of Automation on the Human Operator
Authors: Kleiner Brian M. , Drury Colin G. , Sharit Joseph , Czaja Sara J.
Published: January 2012

This study was designed to evaluate the symbiosis of human-machine systems with varying levels of automation. This paper focuses on the protocol methodology employed in the study. The approach required the use of both qualitative and quantitative techniques to derive a comprehensive evaluation of the human-machine system. Protocol Analysis supported by ethnographic software was used to evaluate the verbal transcripts. A qualitative process of code mapping and analysis was developed. The Modified Cooper-Harper scale was used to evaluate mental workload and objective measures of performance provided quantitative data of the system. The results confirmed the usefulness of a proposed classification scheme for human-machine systems. Using the methodology, human capabilities could be assessed against system demands for various configurations of a human-machine system. The importance of understanding the human's role in increasingly automated systems was again demonstrated.