bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model-Based Predictions of Interrupted Checklists
Authors: Diez Melanie , Boehm-Davis Deborah A. , Holt Robert W.
Published: January 2012

The improper completion of a cockpit checklist has contributed to a number of aviation accidents. In many of these cases, it can be shown that interruptions were a contributing factor in the failure to complete the checklist properly. Unfortunately, most studies of interruptions have provided only post-hoc explanations for these failures. Further, research has focused on whether or not tasks are resumed rather than on predictions of where people will resume a task after an interruption. This paper describes several generic models that were used to explore cognitive strategies for handling interruptions. One of these models was then modified to fit the specific real-world task of completing an aircraft checklist. This model produced detailed a priori predictions about where the interrupted checklist will be resumed. The implications of these predictions for task design and for the use of cognitive modeling as an approach to understanding interruptions are discussed.
Some Promising Results of Communication-Based Automatic Measures of Team Cognition
Authors: Kiekel Preston A. , Cooke Nancy J. , Foltz Peter W. , Gorman Jamie C. , Martin Melanie J.
Published: January 2012

Some have argued that the most appropriate measure of team cognition is a holistic measure directed at the entire team. In particular, communication data are useful for measuring team cognition because of the holistic nature of the data, and because of the connection between communication and declarative cognition. In order to circumvent the logistic difficulties of communication data, the present paper proposes several relatively automatic methods of analysis. Four data types are identified, with low-level physical data vs. content data being one dimension, and sequential vs. static data being the other. Methods addressing all four of these data types are proposed, with the exception of static physical data. Latent Semantic Analysis is an automatic method used to assess content, either statically or sequentially. PRONET is useful to address either physical or content-based sequential data, and we propose CHUMS to address sequential physical data. The usefulness of each method to predict team performance data is assessed.
Mental Models, Situation Models, and Expertise in Flight Situation Awareness
Authors: Jodlowski Mark T. , Doane Stephanie M. , Sohn Young Woo
Published: January 2012

The present research examines cognitive processes that support flight situation awareness (SA). Of particular interest is pilot access to condition-action rules that reflect their mental models of flight, and their ability to determine when the rules apply in the context of a specific situation. Pilots were asked to reason about events that take place during flight in multiple 3-screen computer-based trials. In each trial, the first screen indicated a control movement, the second screen depicted a meaningful flight situation, and the third screen indicated a flight situation change. Pilots were asked to judge whether the change depicted in the third screen was consistent with what was expected following application of the control movement depicted in the first screen to the flight situation depicted in the second screen. Judgment accuracy suggests superior access to mental models versus situation models, and systematic differences in knowledge organization as a function of piloting expertise.
Interference Effects on the Recall of Words Heard and Read: Considerations for ATC Communication
Authors: Risser Matthew R. , McNamara Danielle S. , Baldwin Carryl L. , Scerbo Mark W. , Barshi Immanuel
Published: January 2012

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of interference on memory for words that were either read or heard. Interference tasks required either visual, verbal, or central executive (CE) working memory resources. Experiment 1 examined effects of simultaneous interference, whereas Experiment 2 examined the effects of posttask (subsequent) interference. When interference occurred simultaneously with word presentation, the verbal and CE interference tasks were most disruptive, regardless of whether the words were read or heard. Furthermore, hearing words facilitated recall in comparison to reading words regardless of interference source. When the interference task followed word presentation, CE interference again was the most disruptive. However, the effects of the visual and verbal interference tasks were equivalent. These results are discussed with respect to communication mode in ATC messages to pilots (i.e., textual data-link messages vs. voice transmissions).
Assessment of the Tadmus DSS with Work Domain Analysis
Authors: Burns Catherine M. , Bryant David , Chalmers Bruce
Published: January 2012

We applied Work Domain Analysis (WDA) to the evaluation of a military decision support system (DSS) developed as part of the Tactical Decision Making Under Stress (TADMUS) project. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the degree of fit of the TADMUS DSS, designed for a U.S. naval environment, to the command and control of the Canadian Navy's HALIFAX Class frigate, a different environment. Using work domain models developed for the HALIFAX Class ship, we compared the TADMUS DSS against these models using Functional Information Profiles. Results of the analysis are discussed, as well as the appropriateness of using WDA as a tool in the system evaluation process.
Policy Capturing and Fuzzy Logic: A Better Approach to Representing Judgment Data?
Authors: Bolton Amy E. , Astwood Randolph S. , Campbell Gwendolyn E.
Published: January 2012

At the 45th annual meeting of HFES, we conducted an alternative format session in which fuzzy logic was introduced as an alternative approach to analyzing judgment data and representing decision-making policies (see Buff et al., 2001). During the alternative format session, usability judgments were collected on-site for Advanced Distance Learning (ADL) applications. These data provided the basis for an empirical assessment of the value added of one modeling technique, fuzzy logic, over the more traditional approach to analyzing policy capturing data, multiple linear regression. This paper describes the results of an empirical assessment of the two modeling techniques. For a discussion of the empirical results of the impact of the different usability dimensions on the learning effectiveness of ADL applications, see Holness, Pharmer, and Buff (2002).
Longitudinal Study of the Effects of an Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard on Upper Body Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Authors: Hedge Alan , Goldstein Mark , Hettinger Lawrence , Varner Can , Silva Don , Malafronte Jean , Goodyear Chuck
Published: January 2012

A longitudinal study assessed the differential impact of standard and adjustable ergonomic keyboards on musculoskeletal symptoms among 71 computer users over a six month period. A total of 73 subjects participated: 34 subjects used a standard, flat keyboard and 37 used an adjustable, ergonomic keyboard. Subjects completed weekly surveys of perceived keyboard comfort, and body discomfort, along with other items. The ergonomic keyboard was rated favorably and for users there were significantly improvements neck, shoulder and arm comfort.
Extending the Heuristic Evaluation Method through Contextualisation
Authors: Chattratichart Jarinee , Brodie Jacqueline
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes an extension to the heuristic evaluation framework to help overcome some of its limitations. We describe the addition of a contextualised layer, called the ‘ usability problems profile’, to improve the reliability of the method's findings. We present the results of an experiment showing that evaluators - even novices - can produce more consistent and reliable evaluation results through adding a contextualised layer to the heuristic evaluation method. This extended method we call HE-Plus. in the experiment discussed, ten novice evaluators assessed a web site's usability. Five were using heuristic evaluation and five HE-Plus. The group that used the HE-Plus method spent less time in evaluation, found more usability problems, and found more overlapping problems than the group that used the original heuristic evaluation method. An in-depth ‘ usability problems profile’ for the web site was derived from analysing the experimental data. The implications of this improved profile are discussed.
Human Factors at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Authors: Ochsman Robert B. , Johnson Hope E. , Kiss Celestine , Marut Michele R. , Midgett Jonathan , Smith Timothy P.
Published: January 2012

The Human Factors Division at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an eclectic group, reflecting the multidisciplinary demands typically made upon an HF organization. The objective in these five presentations is to paint a picture of the full spectrum of human factors practiced in this unique government regulatory agency. The participants will each describe their work and illustrate the day-to-day characteristics of their human factors analyses. The range of discussions will address the overlay and integration of professional practice into policy, the regulatory environment, litigation support, and representation of the Agency to the interests of corporate, consumer, trade, and standards organizations.
Band Saw Safety System
Authors: Nosacka Susan , Gumpenberger Rachel , Kubit Maggie
Published: January 2012

The scope of this project was to produce a complete prototype of an electromechanical safety system that (1) detects human contact with the saw blade, (2) interrupts power to the saw motor, (3) actuates a firing system, and (4) abruptly stops the travel of the blade in order to minimize physical injury. The specific application for the project was a 12.7 mm wide, 0.5 mm thickness Ridgid® saw blade (Part # 03991) mounted on a Ridgid® 14“ vertical band saw (Model #BS 1400). Through engineering analysis and several design iterations, a wedge-brake mechanism was developed and integrated with an electronic control system developed by SawStop™. Upon completion of the nine-month project, the prototype was able to stop the motion of the saw blade in approximately fifteen milliseconds (ms). With this stopping time, it is estimated that the operator would experience a 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) depth of cut. Thus, first aid or a doctor's visit would be required rather than emergency hospitalization. The final project report included recommendations for further development.
Competitive Usability Analysis of Phone Interface for Television Text Entry
Authors: Swanson Amy , Delano Kristine Turville
Published: January 2012

As consumer electronics become more interactive, designers are increasingly looking for novel ways to control the user interfaces. With market competition and fast-track time to market constraints, devices that have a familiar use and appeal while being new in application are seen as advantageous. This evaluation looks at the usability of the familiar phone interface for text entry on televisions. How will users initially perceive the concept of phone interface? Will the current cell phone method of text entry be transparent to users? How does it compare to other text entry devices? Results indicate that the phone interface device is initially highly acceptable to users but fails dramatically in usability.
Simulated Investigation of Hypothetical Accidents: Learning about Causation, Causal Reasoning, and Investigation Bias
Authors: Woodcock Kathryn
Published: January 2012

A multi-class session exercise was developed to provide experiential learning of principles of investigation bias and diagnostic reasoning while applying principles of logic in accident causation.
Smart Furniture - Workstation Technologies that Promote Health
Authors: Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

The issues of protecting against airborne bioterrorism in essence are identical to those concerning protection against a wide array of indoor air pollutants. Consequently, solutions pioneered for improving indoor air quality should be applicable to promoting safety against bioterrorist attack. However, the design of a modern air-conditioned building reveals multiple points where air quality can be compromised. From a building systems standpoint is extremely expensive, if not impossible, to adequately police all possible entry points and to effectively treat all of the supply air using existing filter technologies. The use of smart furniture may offer a way to minimize the risks of worker exposure to airborne contaminants. It can also augment environmental information displayed to workers to generally improve the quality of the physical environment conditions. Smart furniture can play a significant role in the overall performance of an immune building.
Allocation of Responsibility for Medication Errors
Authors: Paige Danielle L.
Published: January 2012

This study was designed to assess perceptions of responsibility for consumer safety while using prescription medication. Twenty-five university students were presented with four scenarios depicting an adverse outcome due to negligence involving the administration of a prescription medication. Responsibility could be assigned to the physician, the pharmacist, or the consumer (patient). Scenarios were framed either with no information regarding who committed the error, a physician error, or a patient error. The consumer was given significantly more responsibility overall, mean = 54.59 percent for consumer, compared to 34.48 percent for physician. The percent responsibility allocated to the pharmacist was not a focus of this study as its mean allocation was small, mean = 10.92, and did not vary with experimental manipulations. The shift in responsibility assigned to the consumer when the scenario highlighted consumer error was significantly greater than the corresponding shift in responsibility assigned to the physician in the physician condition.
Individual Differences in the Stress and Workload of Sustained Attention
Authors: Szalma James L.
Published: January 2012

The effects of individual differences in dispositional pessimism and optimism, and choice of coping strategy, on performance, stress, and workload in vigilance tasks were investigated. Prior research indicated that pessimistic observers performed more poorly and experienced higher levels of stress than optimists. in addition, coping strategies employed by observers have been linked to the stress and workload associated with a variety of tasks. To date, no one has examined the relations among these variables in regard to vigilance within one study. Pessimism and optimism were found to be unrelated to performance, but predictive of both pre- and post-task stress and choice of coping strategy. There was also evidence that the influence of personality on post-task stress and choice of coping strategy may be mediated by pre-task state. Personality and coping strategies also influenced perceived workload.
The Effects of Prior Knowledge on Goal Variability & Learning: The More Goals the Merrier
Authors: Hansberger Jeffrey T. , Holt Robert W.
Published: January 2012

Prior knowledge and experience influence many of our everyday task interactions and knowledge acquisition. One way this happens is by goal choice and goal-oriented behavior. This study focused on the effects of goal variability with repeated interactions with a complex, dynamic task over several months. The effect of goal variability on knowledge acquisition mechanisms and learning of task domain knowledge was observed through the use of the mircogenetic approach. Prior knowledge had strong implications for the profile of active goals, interactions with the task and ultimately, learning. Goal variability influenced the use of specific knowledge-acquisition mechanisms. By the final session, goal variability, regardless of the content of the goals, heavily influenced increments in domain knowledge. Variability may have beneficial effects when applied to goal selection, knowledge-acquisition mechanisms, task strategies, and learning over time. Implications of this study may extend to training and other learning and teaching environments.
Task Context and Individual Difference Effects on Skill Acquisition of Visual Processing Strategy
Authors: Kramer Elizabeth , Pratt James H. , Sohn Young Woo
Published: January 2012

Pratt and Sohn (2001) suggested that training context impacts those with a holistic strategy while training context does not influence transfer performance for those with an analytic strategy. The present research attempts to compliment and extend their findings by examining the role of complexity and how it interacts with individual differences in visual processing strategy. Participants were given a visual discrimination task in which they trained on one of four stimulus sets that varied in complexity and similarity and then transferred to novel stimuli. Stimulus complexity was defined by the number of points each stimulus had. Stimulus similarity was defined by the six levels of discrimination difficulty. Using methods described by Pratt & Sohn (2001), participant's individual processing strategy was extracted from a screening session prior to training. Participants were categorized as either “analytic” or “holistic” based on their response reaction time as a function of stimulus complexity. Those with an analytic strategy performed with greater accuracy in transfer as complexity level decreased; those with a holistic strategy performed with greater accuracy in transfer as complexity level increased. Graphical design and training techniques are discussed.
Assessing Individual Differences in Spatial Strategies
Authors: Sims Valerie K , Smith Hana S.
Published: January 2012

This research examined the strategies, emotions, and beliefs described by participants completing a complex three dimensional spatial task. After completing the task, participants examined a video of themselves performing the task. During the video performance, participants completed a thought listing exercise designed to elicit strategies used, as well participants' beliefs about their own adequacy and the degree of difficulty of the task. These data were coded by two independent observers. Strategies, beliefs, and emotions reported were predicted both by the sex of the participant and the success at the task. Unsuccessful males and females did not differ from one another in their reported strategies, beliefs, or emotions. However, successful males reported many more specific strategies, whereas successful females reported greater emotional regulation. Additionally, trial and error was identified by successful females as their main strategy. Guidelines for eliciting spatial strategies follow.
The Effect of a Variable Lumbar Erector Spinae Sagittal Plane Moment Arm on Predicted Spinal Loading
Authors: Jorgensen Michael J. , Marras William S. , Waters Thomas R.
Published: January 2012

Recent research indicates that the sagittal plane moment arm of the erector spinae decreases at the L5/S1 level during torso flexion. The objective of this study was to assess the predicted L5/S1 spinal loading from a lifting task when allowing the erector spinae sagittal plane moment arm to vary during torso flexion. Nineteen male subjects lifted three loads from two origin locations to an upright neutral posture. Spinal loading was predicted from an EMG-assisted biomechanical model that allowed the erector spinae moment arm to vary during torso flexion. The predicted lateral, anterior-posterior shear and compression forces increased by 7.4%, 11.1% and 6.6%, respectively, when compared to using a biomechanical model that kept the erector spinae moment arm constant. These results suggest that models that account for the varying erector spinae moment arm predict greater spinal loads, especially for motions that involve a large degree of torso flexion.
Indices of Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Kumar Shrawan , Amell Tyler , Narayan Yogesh , Prasad Narsimah
Published: January 2012

The objective of the study was to determine if any of the many indicators of localized muscle fatigue (LMF) mirrors the decline in force more closely (gold standard). If not, can a group of indicators can predict LMF better? Nine normal young subjects were required to exert their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and 40% of MVC in elbow flexion as long as they could. The magnitude of the force, EMG amplitude, median frequency (MF), muscle bed blood volume, and muscle oxygenation were measured for MVC. For the 40% MVC contraction in addition to the foregoing variables oxygen uptake (V02), ventilation volume and heart rate were also measured. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE), visual analog score (VAS) and body part discomfort rating (BPDR) were measured for both contractions. Data were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, correlation and regression analysis. Different percentiles of the tasks were significantly different in both contractions (p<0.001). The MF was the strongest indicator of the force decline in MVC (r = 0.91; p<0.001) but in 40% MVC the VAS was a better indicated. None of the variables consistently represented LMF in different levels of contraction. A different grouping of objective and subjective measures for MVC and 40% MVC increased the predictability of the force decline (LMF).
Preliminary Evaluation of Visibility in Hazardous Materials Level a Suit
Authors: Holmquist John P. , Östberg Par , Axelsson Pär , Gallini Nino , Landsberger Mike
Published: January 2012

This paper evaluated the problem of visibility of a hazardous materials (hazmat) responder while wearing a level A hazmat suit. An experiment was performed to judge the amount of time a level A hazmat suit can be worn in normal working conditions without fogging and reducing visibility. After an initial evaluation, hypothesis and alternatives to prevent the fogging of the suit were formed. An experiment was performed testing the alternatives of antifogging agents to physical moisture barriers. From the experiment, a short-term solution, the use of anti-fog spray, and a long-term solution, the use of a cone shaped moisture barrier, were formed to correct the visibility problem facing the users of this suit.
The Consumer Decision-Making Process in Two Different Web Stores
Authors: Kurniawan Hartati , Au Yim Lee , Zeng Jing , So Richard H. Y. , Tseng Mitchell M.
Published: January 2012

This paper reports on Consumer Decision-Making Process (CDMP) strategies in Web-based shopping in two different Web stores, one selling gifts and other selling mobile phones. Results indicate that the occurrence of a ‘non-compensatory’ (i.e., eliminating product alternatives by their attributes) CDMP strategy when the participants were viewing a single Web page with more than four product alternatives was significantly higher than with three or less product alternatives. Indeed, when the number of products on a single page of the gift store reached 16 or more, the occurrence of the ‘non-compensatory’ CDMP strategy was 100%. The results also indicated that the higher the number of products on the screen, the lower the percentage of products considered. Problems associated with the use of the think-aloud technique to measure CDMPs associated with Web shopping are discussed.
Using Impenetrable Borders in a Graphical Web Browser: How Does Distance Influence Target Selection Speed?
Authors: Farris J. Shawn , Jones Keith S. , Anders Brent A.
Published: January 2012

Impenetrable borders are edges of graphical user interface targets (e.g., buttons, scroll bars) that the mouse cursor cannot cross. Research has shown that targets with impenetrable borders (edge targets) are selected faster than targets without impenetrable borders (non-edge targets). In addition, prior research determined that the effectiveness of impenetrable borders is maximal between .50 and 11.75 cm distance from the cursor's origin to the target. However, this is a broad range and a more specific estimate of distance would be useful for designers wishing to maximize the effectiveness of impenetrable borders. Accordingly, the reported experiment searched for the critical distance where impenetrable border effectiveness asymptotes using a graphical web browser interface. Results indicate that impenetrable border effectiveness asymptotes between .50 cm and 3.50 cm distances. These results support past research and make a more detailed design recommendation. An example of a redesigned interface incorporating impenetrable borders is given.
Examining Information Searching on the World Wide Web with a Screen-Reader: A Verbal Protocol Analysis
Authors: Jones Keith S. , Farris J. Shawn , Elgin Peter D. , Anders Brent A. , Johnson Brian R.
Published: January 2012

Recently, assistive devices designed for computer systems have proliferated, including those designed to support users with visual impairments (i.e., screen-readers). However, research examining how individuals use screen-readers to access the Internet is virtually non-existent. Therefore, the purpose of the reported study was to examine the behavior of a user with visual impairment, via protocol analysis, while using the World Wide Web to find information. We classified her behavior into an HCI-relevant model, i.e., Norman's (1988) seven stages of action, in order to identify potential usability bottlenecks. The results indicated that executing actions and, more notably, interpreting the system state were the most frequent and time-consuming tasks. In addition, the results suggested that the user had difficulty determining the effects of her control inputs on system status, as well as determining whether or not goal-relevant information was present on the current page. For screen-reader design, this suggests that there are possible usability problems in interfacing the user with the screen-reading software and the way textual information is aurally displayed to the user.
Macroergonomics Methods: An Overview
Authors: Hendrick Hal W.
Published: January 2012

This symposium briefly overviews a number of the classical methods as they have been adapted for application to macroergonomics and a series of methods that have been developed specifically for macroergonomics research and application, based on sociotechnical systems theory and research.
A Macroergonomics Tool for Assessing Work System Processes: Systems Analysis Tool (SAT)
Authors: Robertson Michelle M.
Published: January 2012

A macroergonomics tool for assessing work system processes, the Systems Analysis Tool (SAT) is described. The seven-step methodology is discussed involving defining the problem and, developing and evaluating strategic systematic solutions. An evaluation scorecard which includes an Economic Advantage analysis is used to determine the cost/benefits of each proposed alternative or program solution based on direct and indirect costs and compensation. A decision criteria table is constructed providing a basis for a trade-off comparison of microergonomic and macroergonomic alternative solutions. The benefit of the SAT is the integration of micro- and macroergonomic approaches for solving organizational problems. Work system changes implemented by companies that incorporate a macroergonomic, systems approach demonstrate positive results in minimizing negative health effects based on financial and indirect costs and improved employee and business unit effectiveness.
A Framework and Methodology for Achieving Region-Wide Patient Safety Improvements
Authors: Haims Maria , Rousseau Denise , Keyser Donna , Harrison Ed , Sirio Carl
Published: January 2012

Adverse patient events, including nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection rates and medication errors, are among the nation's most pervasive patient safety problems. The Pittsburgh Regional Healthcare Initiative (PRHI), a regional coalition for healthcare quality improvement, has identified the elimination of medication errors and nosocomial infections as a primary goal. PRHI has facilitated the implementation and use of two different reporting systems in all 30 of its member hospitals designed to facilitate work toward this goal: 1) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (NNIS); and 2) the US Pharmacopeia (USP) MedMARx®, a medication error reporting system. The aims of this study are to understand 1) how well the reporting systems and their standards of use succeed in generating usable information; 2) how well feedback review systems, related to the reporting, function; and 3) the problem-solving systems through which knowledge is translated into organizational and inter-organizational learning. The methodological approach reflects a systems view, includes several levels of analysis, and utilizes triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative data. Data collection components include hospital profiles, site visit interviews, structured diaries, surveys, intervention case studies and report design feedback forms, along with data collected from the reporting systems themselves.
Video Clips as a Data Source for Safety Performance
Authors: Mackenzie Colin , Xiao Yan , Hu Peter , Seagull F. Jacob , Hammond Camille , Bochicchio Grant , Chiu William , O'Connor James , Gerber-Smith Lynn , Dutton Richard
Published: January 2012

Improved safety is an important goal, but there is difficulty in gathering data and identifying practices that lessen the margin of patient safety in real dynamic complex medical workplaces. Video clips as data are a rich source to examine safety performance. Video clips have utility for participants to review their activities and for analysts to extract quantitative data. Focusing video data collection around brief, risky but beneficial tasks, to illustrate patterns of use that occur in Trauma Centers during patients' resuscitation, can simplify participation consent, confidentiality and data analysis problems. However such video clip acquisition (5–15 minute duration) does not appear to compromise the quality of the content, that can facilitate identification of team performance, communication, ergonomic, and systems factors affecting patient safety. Comparisons of task performance under two levels of task urgency was particularly revealing of areas where patient safety performance can be improved and allowed identification of preventive strategies to minimize the effects of safety infractions.
Parallel User Interface Design of a Clinical Decision-Support Application for Desktop and Pocket Pc Platforms
Authors: Tannen Robert
Published: January 2012

In order to increase physician acceptance and use, it is necessary for clinical information systems to better support workflow and connectivity. Towards that end, it is advantageous to develop clinical applications that support a range of platforms and mobile devices. However, differences in design/development approaches, technical limitations, and user interactivity across devices result in inconsistent features and user experiences, limiting functionality, usability, and transfer of training. In the current project, a browser-based physician decision-support and order entry prototype was developed for the Windows desktop and Pocket PC in parallel. Corresponding functionality was implemented on both platforms via an iterative, user-centered design approach that utilized components of the desktop version to create the PocketPC screens. Subsequent physician feedback demonstrated high transfer of training from the desktop version to the PocketPC. The findings from this work can be applied to other multi-platform user interface projects.
Trends in Workplace Changes: Follow-Up of Job Analyses
Authors: Streilein Kristin , Ulin Sheryl , Armstrong Thomas
Published: January 2012

Ergonomic job analysis is considered to be a primary step in preventing work disability related to musculoskeletal problems. There has been little work examining what ergonomic changes are actually occurring after an ergonomic job analysis. This paper looks at what types of workplace changes are being implemented and what if any trends exist in these changes. It was found that in the manufacturing setting, workers were more likely to change jobs and workplace changes occurred with line changes rather than as an accommodation for a particular employee. In the office setting, ad hoc individualized changes to workstations were used in an effort to accommodate workers in their current jobs.
Vigilance, Workload, and Boredom: Two Competing Models
Authors: Alikonis Caroline R. , Warm Joel S. , Matthews Gerald , Dember William N. , Hitchcock Edward M. , Kellaris James J.
Published: January 2012

Two models that seek to explain the high workload associated with vigilance tasks are the direct-cost and indirect-cost views. The former attributes the elevated workload to the high information-processing demand of the task; the latter attributes it to efforts to combat the boredom associated with monotonous vigilance tasks. A recent study by Hitchcock et al. (1999) provided support for the direct-cost view by showing that it is possible to lower the workload of vigilance through reductions in the information-processing load while leaving task-induced boredom unaffected. This study provides converging evidence for the direct-cost view: allowing observers to listen to a stress-reducing musical selection, Heart Zones, during a vigil lowered boredom while leaving the perceived workload of the task unaffected. The beneficial effect of the musical selection was limited to boredom; it had no impact upon post-vigil feelings of loss of task engagement and distress.
The Horizontal-Vertical Velocity Illusion: Implications for the Design of Dynamic Displays
Authors: Bailey Nathan R. , Scerbo Mark W.
Published: January 2012

It has long been known that physically equivalent vertical and horizontal stimuli are often perceived as different. The present study examines this phenomenon in the context of motion perception. Participants were asked to judge the speed of stimuli moving in vertical and horizontal directions using the method of constant stimuli. The findings are consistent with previous research in that vertically moving stimuli appear to move relatively faster than horizontal stimuli traveling at the same speed. Further, the axis of focus, i.e., horizontal or vertical, used as the standard for comparison of the two relative velocities, appears to mediate the perceived velocity of the vertically ascending and vertically descending stimuli. These findings may have important implications for the design and implementation of displays that use a combination of both horizontal and vertical indicators.
Perception of Sonified Daily Weather Records
Authors: Flowers John H. , Grafel Douglas C.
Published: January 2012

Human participants performed a perceptual task in which they sorted auditory (musical) displays of one-month long daily weather summaries (temperature, rainfall, and snowfall) based on perceived similarity of weather patterns. Displays for fifteen winter months and fifteen summer months were sorted by separate groups of participants. Each group sorted two sets of displays that varied in presentation speed. Multidimensional scaling analyses indicated that these displays were effective in conveying weather features important for climate comparisons for both winter and summer months, and that the faster (7.1 sec) displays were more effective than the slower (14.2 sec) displays. These results show that sonification can be an effective tool for exploring multivariate time series data, but that optimization of such displays may require consideration of the temporal constraints of auditory sensory memory and working memory.
Collective Mistrust of Alarms
Authors: Bliss James P. , Bowens Laticia , Krefting Rebecca , Byler Ashley , Gibson Anastasia
Published: January 2012

Recently, alarm systems have become more sensitive and ubiquitous. Unfortunately, sensitive alarm systems may produce greater numbers of false alarms, lowering an operator's level of trust and degrading task performance. In the past, researchers have considered only situations where individuals react to alarms. Because of the frequency and variability of teamed alarm reaction scenarios, we investigated the reactions of independent and dependent teams to marginally reliable alarms. Based on prior literature, we expected dependent teams to show slower but more appropriate alarm reactions and poorer ongoing task performances. One hundred four general psychology students (52 two-person teams) independently or dependently performed a psychomotor task while reacting to alarms that were 30%, 50%, or 70% reliable. Participants responded more frequently to alarms of higher reliability, and less appropriately to those of medium reliability. Generally, dependent teams made more appropriate alarm reactions. Our results suggest that designers and trainers should promote team interdependence when operators are faced with marginally reliable signals.
Effect of History Trail Display on Human Spatial Performance under Normal and Rotated Spatial Mappings
Authors: Du Weiwei , Milgram Paul
Published: January 2012

In a rotated visual-motor mapping environment, human spatial performance is seriously affected by misaligned visual and motor reference axes, resulting in elevated spatial errors. In this paper, we propose a history trail display in an augmented reality setting. We investigate the effectiveness of the display in consecutive aiming tasks, under normal visual-motor mapping, as well as mappings with 90°, 135°, and 180° rotations. Spatial movement error and the smoothness of the trajectories were measured and compared between the history trail display and the regular video display. Our results show that, under normal mapping condition, the history trail appears to help reduce the spatial movement error and improve the smoothness of the movement trajectories. With rotated mappings, the benefit of the history trail becomes significant only after a certain degree of adaptation to the rotated mappings has been attained. The history trail appears to enhance the perception of errors, movement direction, and speed information for error-correcting processes during the aiming movements.
Infochess: A Powerful Test Bed for Studying Information Operations (IO) Decision-Making
Authors: Elm William C. , Gualtieri James W. , Potter Scott S.
Published: January 2012

Participants will receive an introduction into the domain of Information Operations (IO) and asymmetric warfare. This interactive session will use InfoChess ™ to provide experiential learning in IO and explore decision-making. By integrating IO in the rich, yet well understood game of chess, the trainee's understanding of the synergistic effects of IO and maneuver warfare is internalized to a degree not shown with traditional instruction. The audience will then be asked to collectively work together, against an asymmetrically adversary. During the course of this session, observations will be collected on the decision-making activities of the participants.
The Effects of Voice Technology on Test Track Driving Performance: Implications for Driver Distraction
Authors: Ranney Thomas A. , Harbluk Joanne L. , Noy Y. Ian
Published: January 2012

Twenty-one subjects completed two sets of (8) laps around a 7.5-mile test track during two 4-hour sessions. They drove an instrumented vehicle while performing a combination of car following, peripheral target detection, and secondary (in-vehicle) tasks of varying complexity. Subjects performed one set of laps with each of two interfaces, voice-based and visual/manual. Secondary tasks comprised three categories including baseline tasks (radio tuning, phone dialing), simple tasks (message retrieval plus voice memo creation), and complex tasks (simple task components plus phone dialing and information retrieval from automated phone systems). Measures of driving performance, target-detection, secondary task performance and eye movements were recorded. Analyses were conducted to determine whether the voice-based interface reduced the relative distraction potential for secondary tasks of varying complexity. Generally, differences between tasks were stronger than differences between interface conditions. Measures of car-following performance, target detection, and secondary task performance revealed differences attributable to task complexity. Differences between the two interfaces were observed on peripheral target detection measures and on several driving performance measures. Overall, the benefits of using the voice-based interface were not large enough to appreciably reduce the distraction potential associated with performing the secondary tasks in the car-following scenario.
Effectiveness of Cognitive-Based and Conventional Alerters for Locomotive Engineers
Authors: Dattel Andrew R. , Popkin Stephen M. , Pollard John K.
Published: January 2012

This is the first phase of a three-phase study that examined the effectiveness and reliability of alertness monitoring and warning devices for locomotive engineers. Four university students participated in this initial phase. Two experimental sessions were run for each participant, once during dayshift hours (9am to either 1pm or 5pm) and once during nightshift hours (10pm until 2am or 6am). They completed a series of vigilance performance tasks throughout their 4-hour or 8-hour experimental session. A conventional electro-mechanical alerter commonly found on board a locomotive was used for one of the two sessions, while a novel simple cognitive-based task was used for the other session. The Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) and percent eye closure (PERCLOS) were used as measures of alertness. As expected, PERCLOS and performance task reaction time (RT) increased throughout the night sessions. Furthermore, it was found that when participants were exposed to the cognitive-based alerter, they had lower PERCLOS values throughout the night sessions and shorter vigilance task RT throughout the day sessions than when they were exposed to the conventional alerter. These results are discussed with respect to adaptive automation and their potential implications.
The Effects of Telematics on Driver Distraction
Authors: Siebert Patrick , Mouloua Mustapha , Burns Kendra , Marino Jennifer , Scagliola Lora , Winters Lelah , Hancock Peter , Agliata Dan
Published: January 2012

This study used both cellular phones and analogue radio to measure driver distraction and workload in a low fidelity driving simulator. Thirty-four participants performed a simulated driving task while using either a cell phone or a radio in conjunction with a secondary task assessing their spare attentional capacity. The results showed that more lane deviations were made during the cell phone and radio tuning use than both of the pre-allocation and Post-allocation phases. The secondary task errors were also higher during both the cell phone and radio tuning allocation phase than the pre-allocation and post-allocation phases. These findings indicate the greater workload load levels associated with the use of telemetric devices. These findings have major implications for driver safety and telemetric systems design.
Improving the Consideration of Human Factors in System Design
Authors: Wallace Daniel , Dugger Melissa , Bost J. Robert , Hamburger Trish , Hendrikse E Johan , Peacock Brian
Published: January 2012

The goal of this panel is to bring together experienced human factors professionals and systems engineers to discuss how the two groups can work together to develop optimal designs that include appropriate consideration of the human users and maintainers. The experience of the panelists covers a variety of fields, including the transportation and offshore oil industries, and government projects for the U.S. Navy and NASA. Based on their experiences, the panelists will provide recommendations for human factors professionals to improve their credibility and integration with the rest of the system design team.
Shipboard Communications: Quantifying Operator Capabilities and Limitations
Authors: Debra E. Bardine , Daniel F. Wallace , Goff Udo , Schlichting Christine
Published: January 2012

As the United States Navy moves towards a reduction in manning aboard future ships, the number and complexity of tasks the warfighter must perform remains high. One responsibility of the warfighter that is very taxing on his/her audio channel is the handling of voice communications. To determine the “breaking point” in handling these voice communications, researchers used a fully developed scenario to test the capabilities and limitations of typical Navy watchstanders when subjected to a varying number of active communications circuits. Metrics such as accuracy and latency of response were used to measure human performance. In addition, a between-subject experiment was used to determine whether or not a simulated speech-to-text tool would help to improve warfighter performance on a communications task, while not degrading performance on a primary, tactical task. The experiment was performed in the Integrated Command Environment (ICE) lab at NAVSEA Dahlgren, a testbed for future command and control concepts and a vehicle to solicit valuable feedback from members of the fleet.
Quantifying Usability: The Industry Usability Reporting Project
Authors: Scholtz Jean , Wichansky Anna , Butler Keith , Morse Emile , Laskowski Sharon
Published: January 2012

The Industry US ability Reporting (IUSR) Project seeks to help potential corporate consumers of software obtain information about the usability of supplier products, to measure the benefit of more usable software, and to increase communication about usability needs between consumers and suppliers. Human factors and software engineers have developed a Common Industry Format (ANSI/NCITS 354–2001) for sharing usability information. Four pilot studies were conducted by industry which verify its usefulness in procurement and assess the costs and benefits of including usability test results in the software purchase process. Use of the Common Industry Format can increase communications across corporate boundaries and help improve the usability of software for consumers. The standard may also be applicable to setting usability requirements, and measuring usability of websites, hardware, and universal access.
Assessing Team Situation Awareness in the Field: A Comparison of Measurement Approaches
Authors: Campbell Gwendolyn E. , Pharmer James A.
Published: January 2012

In this paper we describe a field study conducted with trained Navy teams that was designed to assess the impact of an advanced watchstation on team performance. One of our primary hypotheses was that the advanced display technologies incorporated in this watchstation would support superior situation awareness (SA) within the Navy teams, when compared to the SA supported by their current watchstations. We attempted to use traditional probing techniques to assess team SA, but encountered several difficulties. On the other hand, by assessing the frequency of different classes of behaviors across objects with different levels of tactical significance, we were able to find a strong performance pattern that clearly supported our hypothesis. After explaining our approach and results, we briefly discuss implications for other efforts attempting to assess SA in field settings.
Collection of Process, Preference, & Outcome Data to Select PPE for Industrial Operations
Authors: Ching Cindy R. , Reisdorf Robert P. , McGlothlin D. Susan
Published: January 2012

Three types of data, outcome, process, and preference data, were collected during user testing to select personal protective equipment. Each type of data was collected to address a particular aspect of the study. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the design of data collection to include metrics for usability, performance, and personal preference. The goal of the user testing was to determine which aprons would meet selected performance criteria and also be readily accepted by workers. The successful design of this apron study will be applied to the design of studies to select other PPE such as coveralls and hoods.