bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Factors Engineering in the Control Room Design Process of an Engineer/Constructor
Authors: Knobel Philip E. , Wiklund Michael E.
Published: January 2012

Engineer/constructor firms responsible for large process plant engineering, including the human-plant interface, have an emerging need for in-house human factors engineering (HFE) expertise. Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation has met his need through the creation of an HFE group. The group was founded as a small, informal, multidisciplinary organization. In an experimental manner, the group was provided the freedom to define its HFE markets within the firm and the process and power industry. Organizational design and management factors related to the functions and effectiveness of the group are discussed.
An Examination of Ability Requirements for Various Rotary Wing Missions
Authors: Jones Dennis H. , McAnulty D. Michael
Published: January 2012

The increasing specialization of rotary wing missions and aircraft has precipitated a reanalysis of traditional strategies for assigning student aviators to one of four rotary wing missions: cargo, utility, aeroscout, or attack. Although previous research has suggested that certain abilities are appropriate for inclusion in a classification algorithm, there are no data to indicate that there are differences in the ability requirements (types or levels) for the four missions. This paper describes the results of several analyses designed to compare the ability requirements of the four missions. Ability rating data, obtained from subject matter experts for each mission, were transformed using the Method of Successive Intervals (MSI) to remove systematic biases identified in the raters' distributions. Analyses of the transformed data indicate that there are no differences in the types or levels of abilities required to perform the most demanding tasks for each mission.
Do Automatic Attention Responses Transfer to Stimuli that Differ in Shape but Share the Same Name?
Authors: Kleiss James A. , Lane David M.
Published: January 2012

Shiffrin and Schneider (1977) concluded that after consistent practice with a detection task in which target and distractor stimuli are never interchanged over trials, subjects are able to search for any of four targets in displays containing four stimuli almost as well as they can search for a single target in displays containing only one stimulus. According to Shiffrin and Schneider, practice leads to the development of automatic attention responses such that when a target appears in a display, attention is automatically and involuntarily drawn to the target thereby bypassing both the display search and the memory search processes. A stimulus, however, could conceivably “call forth” an automatic attention response on the basis of either higher-order information such as its name or lower-order information such as its visual characteristics. Shiffrin and his colleagues (e.g., Shiffrin & Gardner, 1972) have for many years taken the view that stimuli are processed fairly extensively in parallel and without attention. Given this view, automatic attention responses would be elicited by higher-order information. Treisman and Gelade (1980), however, suggest that subjects may learn a disjunct set of features which distinguish targets from distractors. Given this view, automatic attention responses would be elicited by lower-order visual characteristics of the stimuli. The present research was designed to test these two possibilities.
Use of a Signal Detection Paradigm to Assess Subjective Intersection Points in a Target Location Task
Authors: Engelman William R. , Patterson Michael J. , Corso Gregory M.
Published: January 2012

Numerous tasks require individuals to assess whether two or more moving points are on a collision path. However, evidence available, on decision making in spatial manipulation tasks, is lacking. This study attempted to assess individual's ability to determine the point of intersection between two cursors. The distance between a specified target and the actual intersection point (2 levels), and the extrapolation distance (2 levels) was varied. Using a signal detection paradigm, measures of sensitivity (d') and decision criterion (B) were obtained. Therefore, 2 × 2 within subjects design was employed. Results indicated that distance between the target and actual intersection point had the greatest effects on sensitivity, while extrapolation distance differences were minimal. Conclusions based on the results are limited due to poor subject performance.
Does Location Cueing Increase the Efficiency of the Early Stages of Perceptual Processing?
Authors: Anderson Loy A. , Lane David M. , Kleiss James A.
Published: January 2012

Previous research has shown that precueing a stimulus's location in an otherwise empty field leads to more efficient detection of that stimulus. The experiments reported here sought to determine whether or not such cueing affects the early stages(s) of perception. If cueing affects early perceptual processing, then the effect of cueing should be larger the more difficult the perceptual task; otherwise it should not. Experiment 1 failed to find any facilitation due to cueing, but did find significant inhibition from invalid cues. The size of the inhibition did not differ significantly as a function of perceptual difficulty. Experiment 2 employed a less attention-demanding type of cueing and found significant facilitation as well as inhibition. As in the first experiment, the size of the cueing effect did not differ significantly as a function of difficulty. Experiment 3 used a stronger manipulation of difficulty and obtained essentially the same results. However, there was some tendency for the effect of cueing to be larger in the more difficult condition. Experiment 4 tested the possibility that this tendency occurred because the perceptual task was so difficult it required voluntary eye movements. When the possible role of eye movements was minimized, there was no tendency for the effect of cueing to be larger in the difficult than in the easy condition. In Experiment 5 the possibility of eye movements was reduced even further and again, found no significant interaction between cueing and difficulty. It was concluded that cueing does not facilitate early perceptual processing. Rather, cueing affects the efficiency with which stimuli are selected for further processing from an unlimited capacity perceptual system to a limited capacity system.
User Involvement in Selecting Options and Programming Business Telephone Systems
Authors: Petrick M. Susan
Published: January 2012

Recently, falling costs of providing computing capability and software have resulted in sudden increases in the number of features and options provided by business telephone systems. Traditionally, when someone purchased or leased a business telephone system, a salesperson assessed special needs and craftspeople customized the system to best meet these needs. This procedure frequently resulted in delays and errors in feature assignments over which even a knowledgable user had little control. Overall dissatisfaction with the system was not uncommon. One major design goal for a new business telephone system, the MERLIN* Communications System, was to reduce occurrence of this problem by allowing users to customize their own systems.

An initial set of user programming procedures and written instructions were developed for the smallest MERLIN system. It was necessary that features be programmed using one of the telephones of the MERLIN Communications System as the input/output device, since a special purpose terminal was deemed too costly for purchase by small business customers. A microcomputer-based simulation of the telephone system was developed, and a laboratory study was conducted to evaluate procedures and instructions. Programming accuracy and speed were collected for several classes of users (a total of 36 subjects varying in amount of prior programming experience). In addition to these data, field evaluations of a subsequently modified set of programming procedures will be presented. General implications for designing programming procedures for naive users will also be discussed, especially in regard to designing procedures that require only Small modifications to a standard telephone.

Based on success with the smallest system, further studies were carried out to evaluate customer programming of larger, more complex telephone systems. Comprehension of options, decision making, and use of an expanded set of programming procedures were assessed both in the laboratory and in the field. Data from these studies will be presented. Limits to customer participation suggested by these data will also be discussed.
Troubleshooting Procedures for Customers: Design and Evaluation
Authors: Day Mary Carol
Published: January 2012

The modular construction of many new communications systems offers the possibility for customers to troubleshoot and maintain their own systems. The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a set of procedures and instructions for customer maintenance of a telephone system for small businesses. Customer maintenance requires that the customer identify the particular component that is causing a problem, and then replace the faulty component.

A set of general principles was formulated to guide the design of troubleshooting procedures that could be used by customers with no expertise in telephony or troubleshooting. Logical troubleshooting procedures were then developed and were described in a step-by-step Trouble Isolation Manual.

A simulated telephone system, the “Troublemaker”, was used to evaluate the procedures and instructions. With the Troublemaker, the experimenter could specify one of several symptoms (e.g., can't break dial tone) and the particular component (e.g., control unit) which was “causing” the symptom. As components were switched or bypassed during troubleshooting, the symptom tracked the “faulty” component.

Ten subjects in each of two groups—one a “technical” group and the other a “nontechnical” group—participated in the study. Each participant was given five problems that required locating the cause of a trouble while using the Manual. During the troubleshooting problems, the participant was observed and was requested to “think out loud.” Non-directive questions were asked, when appropriate, to gain information on sources of confusion or difficulty in the procedures or instructions.

Several measures of performance were collected and analyzed: (1) success in locating the cause of a trouble (scored using a strict and a liberal criterion); (2) proportion of steps completed correctly; (3) time required to locate the trouble; (4) subject ratings of the instructions and procedures, and (5) type of errors.

These results, their use in revising the Trouble Isolation Manual, and their implications for customer troubleshooting will be discussed.
Validity of Isometric Strength Tests for Predicting Performance in Physically Demanding Tasks
Authors: Jackson Andrew S. , Osburn H. G. , Laughery Kenneth R.
Published: January 2012

Job analysis has shown that many tasks in the energy industry are physically demanding. This study examined the validity of an isometric strength test battery for predicting performance in work sample tests that simulated physically demanding tasks in coal mining and oil production. Since two of the work sample tests involved an endurance component, metabolically determined VO(2) (L/Min) was used to measure arm endurance. All tests were administered to 25 male and 25 female physically fit subjects. Correlations between the isometric strength tests and the work sample tests ranged from .67 to .93. In addition, the isometric strength tests were more highly correlated with the endurance work sample tests than metabolically measured arm endurance. Slopes and intercepts of the male and female regression lines were homogeneous. These results support the validity of isometric strength tests for predicting performance in physically demanding jobs.
A Juicy Application of Human Factors
Authors: Riley Terry
Published: January 2012

The application of human factors principles to a citrus juice processing plant is described. Also outlined are the techniques used to create an engineering design environment in which human factors recommendations could be realized.
Computer Based Training: Lessons Learned
Authors: Jarvis Mildred D.
Published: January 2012

Design and implementation of military maintenance training systems can draw upon a number of lessons learned from a review of literature and past experience of applications of computer-based training technology.
Recognition Training for Ship Status Using Microcomputer Based CAI
Authors: Hottman Stephen B. , Urban Kenneth E. , Sauer Daniel W.
Published: January 2012

Microcomputer-based Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) has proven useful in many object recognition tasks, most recently for night attitude recognition of aircraft (Urban, Hottman, and Nelson, 1983; Hottman and Urban, 1983). The application in this study involved the presentation of navigation lights on ships at night from various approach directions. The ability to correctly identify the ship orientation and heading is ship status recognition. Ship outlines and navigation light configurations were used as two types of approaches to train ship status recognition.

The performance of any complex task such as this can be improved through two steps: optimization of the system, and training. The inherent flexibility of CAI programming languages and the nature of the task make microcomputer-based systems a very viable approach for training ship status recognition.

This study examined the application of a microcomputer-based version of the PILOT language to such a problem, with graphic representation of navigation and running lights as viewed from various directions. Two CAI training conditions were developed and evaluated. Condition one consisted of subjects being presented with the navigation lighting configuration first and then having to pick the appropriate ship orientation. Condition two consisted of subjects being presented with the ship orientation first and then having to pick the appropriate lighting configuration. Subjects were given a pretest and posttest to evaluate ship status recognition performance.

Preliminary results indicate that the use of microcomputer CAI represents a viable approach to familiarizing bridge personnel with running and navigation light configurations. Performance data include the number of correct responses and the reaction times associated with these responses. Between group and within group analyses were conducted to determine pretest/posttest effects and the effects of training presentation formats. Follow on studies are being planned with light orientations that are dynamic and where the background is noisy (background environmental lights).
The Maximum Efficiency of the Human Machine during Lifting
Authors: Genaidy Ashraf M. , Khalil Tarek M. , Asfour Shihab S. , Waly Sherif M.
Published: January 2012

The primary objective of the present study was to explore whether the human machine has an optimal value or a range where it performs at maximum physiological efficiency during repetitive lifting tasks. Ten trained male subjects participated in this study. The frequency of lift and height of lift were the independent variables. The psychophysical methodology was employed in this investigation. Maximum physiological efficiency is defined as the power output per unit oxygen consumption. The results indicated that for maximum physiological efficiency in repetitive lifting tasks of a duration of 1/2 hour the frequency of lift should be between 5 and 11 lifts/min with 9 lifts/min being optimal.
Spatial Complexity and Knowledge of Invisible Logical Networks
Authors: Sanderson Penelope
Published: January 2012

Subjects had to discover the structure of a logical network whose links were invisible. The behaviour of the network components after a failure gave clues to network structure. Since similar failure diagnosis tasks often draw on spatial processes, a good deal of spatial complexity in the network should affect ease of discovery. Results supported this conjecture and showed that increasing the amount of evidence available to subjects about the existence of complex links was of little benefit. These results raise the question of whether inferences about spatially complex pathways were simply not made, or whether they were made but not retained because of a high load on memory resources.
Workload and Performance: Orthogonal Measures
Authors: Bateman Robert P. , Acton William H. , Crabtree Mark S.
Published: January 2012

During an attempt to corroborate historical error data with recently gathered data on subjective workload values, it was noted that the data not only failed to show any degree of correlation, but gave strong evidence to support arguments that the workload and error measures are orthogonal (totally independent). This paper discusses several explanations of the observed phenomenon. A hypothesis is advanced that error free performance is strongly dependent upon task procedure construction, while workload is dependent upon subtask difficulty and situational stresses.
Subjective Workload Assessment in a Spatial Memory Task
Authors: Eggemeier F. Thomas , Stadler Michael A.
Published: January 2012

Twelve subjects performed a spatial short-term memory task under several levels of difficulty and rated the workload associated with each using the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT). SWAT ratings proved sensitive to two of the three difficulty manipulations in the memory task, and demonstrated greater sensitivity in this respect than either of two primary task measures that were employed. The results extend the applicability of SWAT to the type of spatial memory task used and, therefore, provide further support for the general applicability of SWAT as a workload measurement technique.
Subjective Workload Assessment and Effect of Delayed Ratings in a Probability Monitoring Task
Authors: Notestine Jerome C.
Published: January 2012

In this investigation, twenty-four subjects performed a probability monitoring task under two difficulty levels and rated the workload associated with each using the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT). Measures of response accuracy and response time in the monitoring task were also recorded. The effect of delaying SWAT ratings for both 15 and 30 minute intervals after task completion was also investigated. Study results indicated that SWAT was sensitive to the two levels of probability monitoring task difficulty, but not as sensitive as response accuracy. SWAT was, however, more sensitive to the varying levels than response time. Although there were no statistically significant effects associated with the interval between task completion and assigning ratings, five of the sixteen subjects who gave delayed ratings indicated that workload associated with the more difficult task was lower than the workload associated with the easier task. This finding may be interpreted as evidence that there may be practical consequences when ratings are delayed beyond task completion. The results, in general, are interpreted as supporting the applicability of SWAT as a sensitive workload measure.
A Preliminary Evaluation of a Projective Workload Assessment Procedure
Authors: Eggleston Robert G. , Quinn Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Operator workload often is given little consideration early in the design of a new system. Here we describe a projective application of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique that can be used to evaluate workload implications of technology options before they exist in hardware form. Features of the technique that probably impact its reliability and validity are discussed. Further, a comparison of projected and measured workload was made for a set of system technologies. The results indicate that the projective workload assessment technique may be able to provide a meaningful workload analysis early in system design.
Use of SWAT in Usaf System T & E
Authors: Courtright John F. , Kuperman Gil
Published: January 2012

Many of today's complex military systems place critical performance demands upon the men and women who must operate them. Operational test and evaluation of these systems has long required the assessment of operator behavior within the context of system performance. Interest in estimating the effect on operator performance of system demands not specifically examined during the test led to adding assessment of operator workload to the T & E process. The Subjective Workload Evaluation Technique (SWAT) rating scale was employed in a field evaluation of a system requiring skilled personnel to operate semi-automated equipment. Discussed are the means employed to identify tasks of interest, the acceptance of SWAT by the operators performing the ratings, and the nature of the system problems identified by use of the technique.
Stress and Aging Effects on Female Workers
Authors: Kumashiro Masaharu , Hasegawa Tetsuya , Mikami Koki , Saito Kazuo
Published: January 2012

In this project, the mental stress of both young and middle to elderly aged female sales clerks in a large-scale department store in Japan was investigated. Six subjects in each of the two age groups were from 27–33 years and 49–56 years. Measures were recorded regarding the function of concentration TAF-test), CFF-test, multiple choice reaction time, the displacement of body's center of gravity per one minute with eyes opened, tapping ability test per 20 sec., crural circumference and blood pressure. Heart rate was also measured during working hours. Questionnaires were administrated to establish their attitude toward their jobs, and to evaluate their subjective feelings of fatigue and state of health.

Results indicated that the function of concentration (TAF) when compared with pre-work values was significantly reduced only in the middle to elderly group. In both groups, the CFF showed a significant lowering and the crural circumference was significantly increased compared with pre-work values. The level of CFF value and tapping ability in the middle to elderly group lowerd significantly in comparison with the younger group. However, compared with the younger group, the middle to elderly group felt a decrease in sujective feelings of fatigue and bordom. Moreover, another interesting finding was that the displacement of body's center of gravity in the middle to elderly group was markedly smaller than that of the younger group due to years spent standing erect during their work.
Instantaneous Performance Evaluation with Feedback can Improve Training
Authors: Connelly Edward M.
Published: January 2012

Moment-to-Moment (MTM) performance measures, derived from Summary Performance Measures, provide a near instantaneous evaluation of present performance according to how it impacts overall mission (i.e., summary) performance. MTM is a training tool permitting rapid feedback of performance information to the student as deviations from reference performance occur. While the sensitivity of MTM measures allow the rapid feedback at each moment of the task, experimental results suggest that such feedback should be carefully restricted to enhance training efficiency. Obviously, the feedback must use a mode (input channel) that is non-disruptive to the current task, but also the feedback should be modulated to focus on a portion of the total mission (presumably the part where present performance most seriously degrades overall mission performance). Further the trainee should be informed of that portion of the mission keyed to training feedback.

This paper describes a research program in which a MTM performance measure is used to generate training feedback signals where the feedback is keyed to the part of the mission resulting in the least desirable performance. But the time duration of feedback is limited to a fixed percentage of the total mission time. The impact of MTM feedback in improving training efficiency vs. feedback of only the total (summary) task performance score is presented along with a description of the method used to produce the MTM measure and the feedback modulation system.
The Use of Accident Statistics to Influence Simulator Design
Authors: Bateman Robert P. , Hottman Stephen B.
Published: January 2012

The causes of aircraft accidents during low level operations may be categorized into five areas. These are vision, attention, knowledge, judgment, and discipline. The thesis presented in this paper is that for simulators to be effective in reducing the aircraft accident rate, they must provide training in at least one (and preferably all) of these areas. This training must include experience in preventing the occurrence of hazardous conditions, in recognizing the hazardous conditions as they develop, and in taking the appropriate corrective action to prevent an accident. For the student, all of this requires appropriate inputs, realistic scenarios, opportunity for errors, and immediate feedback on the consequences of those errors. For the instructor, there is a need to provide information on the causes of errors.
Video Display Operator's Eye Scanning, Comfort/Discomfort and Performance in a Hard Copy - Screen and a Split Screen Data Presentation
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T. , Hartmann Andrea L. , Rangarajulu Sudhakar L.
Published: January 2012

Six subjects, all experienced typists, were tested during two full working days in a VDT workstation using two different data presentation modes - from hardcopy to screen and split screen - and a mixture of data entry and file maintenance tasks. The results of this exploratory study indicate that looking for more than 80% of the time at the screen when using a split screen as compared to looking less than 40% at the screen when using a hard copy resulted only in small or no additional increases in both the visual and the musculoskeletal discomfort scores. The subjects maintained a similar overall performance for both data presentations. Based on these results we may conclude that 1) the amount of time looking at the screen appears to have no major influence on both visual and musculoskeletal comfort/discomfort, and that 2) a regimen to adequately reduce the work-stress in continuous VDT work should focus on the duration of uninterrupted constrained sitting while the screen viewing time should not be considered as a major factor.
An Evaluation of Filming Speeds for Dynamic Biomechanical Modeling and Recommendation for Optimum Speed
Authors: Mital A. , Kromodihardjo S.
Published: January 2012

This paper recommends the optimum filming speed for developing kinetic biomechanical models for analyzing manual materials handling activities. Using a high speed camera, the lifting activity was filmed at 500 frames per second. Different filming speeds were simulated by skipping one, two or more film frames. The analysis of film data indicated that selection of filming speed based upon cost and accuracy trade-off is a better criterion than any other criteria which have been suggested from time to time.
Simulation-Oriented Computer-Based Instruction for Training Nuclear Plant Personnel
Authors: Johnson William B. , Maddox Michael E. , Kiel Gary C.
Published: January 2012

This work is the second phase of a three-part project to enhance diagnostic-related training for nuclear power plant technicians and operators. A computer-based simulation was conceptualized, developed, and demonstrated in cooperation with training and engineering personnel from a large southeastern utility. The design process, finished product, and evaluation plan are discussed.
The Interaction of Task and Interface in the Development of Mental Models for an Acoustic Database
Authors: Bennett Kevin B.
Published: January 2012

Computer graphics are becoming an increasingly important component of the human-computer interface. Computer graphics can be effectively used to present many types of information. However, the psychological processes underlying visual imaging and reasoning are not well understood, especially in a systems context. This paper is concerned with how individuals mentally represent and reason about complex systems. Relevant basic and applied research is briefly reviewed and implications for human-computer interaction are discussed.
Methodology and Problem Representation in Programming
Authors: Boehm-Davis Deborah A.
Published: January 2012

This position paper is based on research concerned with the usefulness of various program design methodologies in producing maintainable software. The position is taken that these methodologies will produce maintainable code only when the strategies they provide to programmers for dividing the problem up into more manageable parts are consistent with their internal representation of the problem.
Psychological Scaling of Expert Estimates of Human Error Probabilities: Application to Nuclear Power Plant Operation
Authors: Comer Kay , Gaddy Catherine D. , Seaver David A. , Stillwell William G.
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Sandia National Laboratories sponsored a project to evaluate psychological scaling techniques for use in qenerating estimates of human error probabilities. The project evaluated two techniques: direct numerical estimation and paired comparisons. Expert estimates were found to be consistent across and within judaes. Converaent validity was good, in comparison to estimates in a handbook of human reliability. Predictive validity could not be established because of the lack of actual relative frequencies of error (which will be a difficulty inherent in validation of any procedure used to estimate HEPs). Application of expert estimates in probabilistic risk assessment and in human factors is discussed.
There's a Voice in the Sky; but Can a Picture Tell you More?
Authors: Robinson Christopher P. , Eberts Ray E.
Published: January 2012

A current trend in cockpit design is to incorporate synthesized speech to present secondary information. Multiple resource theories of information processing support this, but theories of stimulus-central processing-response compatibility suggest that spatial information presented visually may have some advantages over speech. An experiment was run comparing tracking and response performance when information was presented pictorially and by speech. Pictorial subjects responded quicker and improved more with learning than did speech subjects. More research on the spatial advantages of pictorial displays is needed before too many speech displays are incorporated into the cockpit.
Ergonomics in Workspace Design: Current Practices and an Alternative Computer-Aided Approach
Authors: Evans Susan M.
Published: January 2012

A research project was conducted to identify current industrial workspace design practices, especially regarding the consideration paid to the human operator in manual workspaces, and to develop an approach for presenting ergonomic information to designers in formats conducive to the design process. Specific operator physical-stress-related performance factors considered in this research include strength capabilities, reach feasibility, and movement times. The paper presents selected results of a survey of 40 engineers/designers, and outlines the criteria for a computer-aided ergonomic design system for manual workspace design.
Effectiveness and Efficiency of Computer-Based Training: Recent Research Findings
Authors: Babbitt Bettina , Pieper William , Semple Clarence , Swanson Dianne
Published: January 2012

Computer-based training (CBT) is contrasted with conventional instruction and actual equipment training for effectiveness, efficiency and user acceptance. Research dealing with military operations and maintenance training from 1977 through mid-1984 is emphasized. CBT is at least as effective as actual equipment training, and tends to be more effective than conventional instruction. Recent studies do not report high relative efficiencies for CBT that were found in earlier evaluations. Student acceptance of CBT is relatively high, but instructor acceptance often is not.
Critical Variables in Start-Up Training for Multi-Functional Information Systems
Authors: Stoddard Mary L.
Published: January 2012

Critical variables in the introduction of multi-functional information systems through training were identified following implementation of six subsystems of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Information Management (INFORM) System. It was learned that training technique used is only one of many important variables.
A Neuropsychological Test Battery for Workload Assessment
Authors: Wilson Glenn F.
Published: January 2012

A Neuropsychological Workload Test Battery has been developed at AAMRL. It consists of eleven tests which were chosen to be appropriate for testing human responses in a wide range of applied situations. The tests incorporated into the battery measure averaged brain wave responses, heart, eye and muscle activity. The first version of the battery is currently undergoing testing in simulator environments.
An Experimental Comparison of a Windowed vs a Non-Windowed Operating System Environment
Authors: Davies Susan E. , Bury Kevin F. , Darnell Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Despite the pervasiveness of window-management systems in the marketplace, little is known about how these systems affect the way computer users do their work. This paper describes the results of an experiment which compared user performance in a windowed vs a non-windowed operating environment. In this experiment, users performed tasks more accurately but slower in the windowed environment, indicating that there can be both positive and negative factors introduced by window-management systems.
Driver Perception of Risk: Objective Risk versus Subjective Estimates
Authors: Philput Christine
Published: January 2012

Objective risk is frequently at variance with driver s'estimation of it. This study was undertaken to examine this phenomenon and to ascertain the cause. Slides of highway sites for which objective risk was known were shown to 49 drivers. The correlation between their subjective estimates and actual accident data was small and nonsignificant Particular problems were noted around drivers' understanding of the hazards conveyed by signs and signals.
Resolving the Moped Rider's Dilemma
Authors: McKnight A. James
Published: January 2012

The moped is presented with a dilemma of ridinq along the edge of the road and brushing elbows with traffic versus staking a claim to the center and forcing traffic to squeeze by. This study showed neither position to be universally safer than the other. However, in straight line operation, the center position was safest under high overtaking traffic density and the right position safer in lower density. When waiting to make a left turn, the center position was safer under high oncoming density and the left lane position safer under low density.
Feature Positive Coding Effects on Object Localization
Authors: Wilson Denise L. , Burns R. Kevin , Kuperman Gilbert G.
Published: January 2012

An investigation of Feature Positive information coding was conducted which included Clutter Level and Display Polarity as independent variables. Three dependent measures were considered: Search Time, Designation Time, and Designation Accuracy. Twelve subjects performed a target location/designation task under 72 combinations of the experimental variables. For Search Time, the main effects of Feature Coding and Clutter Level, together with their interaction were found to be significant (p < 0.01). For Designation Time, only the main effect of Clutter was significant (p < 0.05). No significant findings were identified for Designation Accuracy.
An Undergraduate Laboratory Exercise on the Biomechanics of Lifting
Authors: Adams S. Keith , Patterson Patrick E.
Published: January 2012

Since industrial engineers are responsible for the design of work methods and work stations, undergraduates in this field need to be educated with respect to the biomechanical aspects of lifting; this is most effectively accomplished as part of a required undergraduate ergonomics course. In the Industrial Engineering program at Iowa State University, a required ergonomics course is taught at the sophomore level, prior to a course in work simplification and measurement. A dynamic link segment model has been adapted from its original context in research for use as one of five laboratory exercises in the course. Rapid data acquisition was accomplished using a Graf-Check camera and overhead projection through a grid. Two different lifts were compared in terms of dynamic moments generated in the low back and other areas. The computer output and subsequent analysis permitted a comparison between the two lifting methods as well as a quantitative estimate of effects of handling larger or heavier objects.
A Micro-Computer Based Algorithm to Predict Body Fat Density
Authors: Congleton Jerome J. , Smith James L. , Smith Donald R.
Published: January 2012

A micro-computer software program written in MS-BASIC for the MS-DOS, PC-DOS based microcomputers for computing body fat density from skinfold calipers data for males and females independent of age is presented. The analysis requires two (2) or three (3) skinfold caliper measurements taken from the appropriate six (6) skinfold sites are required. The developed program analyzes che data based upon previously developed regression equation and produces a summary of the analysis.
Developing Residential Design Statements for Older Americans
Authors: Abend Allen , Chen Alexander
Published: January 2012

The objective of this paper is to develop a systematic approach for establishing research-based design guidelines which relate to older individuals.
Cognitive Engineering Issues in the Design of a Knowledge-Based Information Retrieval System
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Krawczak Deborah A. , Shute Steven J. , Chignell Mark
Published: January 2012

EP-X (Environmental Pollution expert) is a prototype expert system that acts as an expert search intermediary for a bibliographic information retrieval system. It searches for documents in the Chemical Abstracts database in the domain of environmental pollution, providing an intelligent human-computer interface that accommodates a wide variety of user backgrounds and interests. This paper discusses

1) the general problem of bibliographic information retrival,

2) the value of combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Factors Engineering (HFE) techniques in the design of an intelligent human-computer interface.

3) the general architecture and functioning of EP-X, and

4) examples of specific issues that arise when attempting to apply both AI and HFE techniques to the design of an interactive computer system.
The Effects of Presentation Method, Type of Knowledge Presented, and Problem Solving Style on Goal Transformation and Knowledge Proceduralization in Geometry Instruction
Authors: Vranesh Richard H.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated conditions that affect the acquisition and application of strategic plans in geometric proof instruction. Factors examined included method of instructional presentation, type of knowledge presented, and cognitive problem-solving style. A group of 96 ninth and tenth grade boys and girls were divided into four groups according to cognitive problem-solving style, completed one of four instructional units varying according to presentation method and type of knowledge, and completed two posttests.

Results indicated that cognitive style and presentation method are important interacting variables in strategic plan formation and goal transformation.
The Computer Readability Editing System
Authors: Kincaid J. Peter , Schalow Susan
Published: January 2012

The Computer Readability Editing System (CRES) is a tool for helping technical writers adhere to writing rules contained in military standards and guidelines. For example, it helps in using consistent terminology, defining technical terms and avoiding certain kinds of awkward sentence construction. The most important feature of the system is its control of vocabulary using a series of carefully compiled word lists including a common word list of 4,000 words and seven technical word lists (e.g., electronics and propulsion engineering). The lists were laboriously compiled for use specifically with military technical information. Users can easily compile lists for their own needs. The program, now running on the WANG VS minicomputer, has been designed for ease of use. Many contractors are incorporating CRES into their automated publishing systems.
The Design of Computer-Based Instruction: Techniques from Function Allocation
Authors: Halstead-Nussloch Richard
Published: January 2012

Computer-based instruction (CBI) has been depicted as being of limited success; its primary area of success is described as teaching about computers and computer use. Regardless of the accuracy of this viewpoint, it points to a need for improving the design of CBI. This paper outlines how techniques of function allocation can be used in designing CBI. Examples of employing the techniques are presented, with highlights of evaluation studies.
Investigation of the Effect of Exertion Length on Measured Isometric Strength
Authors: Mogensen James E. , Stobbe Terrence J.
Published: January 2012

Isometric strength testing has been shown to be an effective method of matching employee strength capability to job strength requirements. Increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects produce undesirable stress in test subjects and could be reduced by using a shorter test if no additional information is gained by using a longer test. If several muscle groups are involved in an isometric strength test the “Ergonomics Guides for Assessment of Human Static Strength” suggests that pilot studies be performed to assure adequate time for a subject to seek and maintain a maximum voluntary effort for a period of at least three seconds. This study was designed to quantitatively investigate the effect of exertion length on measured strength for three strength tests simulating industrial activities. Twenty student volunteer subjects (10 M, 10 F) performed each test for both a five second and three second duration. The force measured during selected one to four second intervals or both the five second and three second tests were compared. This study indicates that it may be possible to decrease the length of isometric tests without reducing the validity of resulting strength measurements, thus reducing the stress on the subjects.
Use of Simulated Job Dynamic Strength (SJDS) in Screening Workers for Manual Lifting Tasks
Authors: Mital Anil , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: January 2012

Human physical strengths are frequently measured by ergononists in order to properly match workers and jobs. Measurement of physical strengths by physical therapists, to determine the extent of recovery after injury, is also very common. The strengths measured in such cases, until very recently, have been static (isometric). Most jobs, however, are dynamic and, therefore, the measurement of inertial (dynamic) component is essential to correctly estimate physical strength exertion capabilities of individuals. The work described in this paper supports this argument.
Helicopter Crew Evaluations on the Effects of Vibration on Performance
Authors: Bateman Robert P. , White Richard P.
Published: January 2012

The objectives of this research were to determine the subjectively experienced differences in vibration levels between helicopter models and to determine the conditions of maximum subjective fatigue experienced during actual helicopter operations. Subjective data were obtained from 12 experienced helicopter crewmembers assigned to flight test duties. Evaluated concurrently, it was hypothesized that these independent evaluations would provide preliminary data on the effects of vibration on performance. Analysis of the data indicated that the subjectively observed effects of vibration could be divided into two categories:

• Direct mechanical interference with imposed immediate performance decrements, and • Fatigue effects which were not apparent until after at least 6 hours of continuous operation.

The experienced differences would not be predicted by the current ISO standard 2631.
A Human Factors Approach to the Design of an Animal Euthanasia Workstation
Authors: McCrobie Daniel
Published: January 2012

A field study was conducted to assess the effects that a new animal euthanasia workstation had on users. Two different humane societies participated in the research. At one society, a new euthanasia facility that incorporated human factors engineering standards and recommendations into the design was constructed. At a second humane society, no changes were made in the workstation. Questionnaires were distributed to employees of the two humane societies both one month before and four months after the design was implemented. The impact of the design was assessed by comparing the measured levels of job satisfaction and job stress before and after the new workstation was implemented. The findings indicated that there were no changes in worker's job stress between the pre- and post-manipulation periods. The humane society workers reported lowered satisfaction than did a national sample. Job satisfaction measures were also found to be lower for the subjects after they worked in the new workstation. In addition, the euthanasia workers in the new workstation rated this environment in more negative terms than the control groups rated their respective workplaces. It is possible that intervening variables, such as unpleasant odors and an increase in the number of animals euthanized during the experimental period, could have explained the results.
Cultural Differences in Color Preferences
Authors: Reddy Thota V. , Bennett Corwin A.
Published: January 2012

Ten Munsell hues were selected and each hue was represented by nine combinations of lightness and saturation. Two neutral backgrounds were used. Random sets of 12 colors were exposed and subjects were required to rate on a scale of nine categories ranging from one for very, very unpleasant, to nine for very, very pleasant. Eighteen subjects from America (USA), ten from India, and seven from Nigeria participated in the experiment. It was found that the results obtained for Americans closely correlated with Helson and Lansford findings. Lightness contrast was the single most important factor in determining the pleasantness of object colors. The most important contrast was that Indians and Nigerians preferred high lightness to high saturation whereas Americans preferred highly saturated colors. Hue preference was the same for Americans and Indians, purples and blues, but Nigerians liked colors with red components also.
The Use of Sociotechnical Analysis and Statistical Process Control to Develop a Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Sorensen Stephen W. , Dockstader Steven L. , Molof Martin J.
Published: January 2012

Sociotechnical systems analysis was employed to study the inputs, processes and outputs of a Navy warehouse complex. The analysis identified the key points that required control to maintain and improve quality and productivity. These points (key variances) are the most meaningful focus for measurement and analysis using the principles and methods of statistical process control (SPC). Existing data from the warehouse were analyzed using several SPC techniques (run charts and control charts) and presented to managers. This information provided them new insights into system capabilities and performance.