bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Nuclear Power Plant Operator Performance Using a Safety Parameter Display System
Authors: Kershner Robert L. , Gebhard Jack W. , Silverman Eugene B. , Pannel George
Published: January 2012

An applied experimental project is presently underway to evaluate the Analog Safety Parameter Display System (ASPOS) and the Engineered Safety Features (ESF) developed by Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO). These systems and displays were designed in response to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines to aid reactor operators in the efficient performance of their duties. Advanced Resource Development (ARD) Corporation, in conjunction with VEPCO, compared human performance during real-time control room operations with and without the ASPDS-ESF configuration to test the efficacy of the system.

During the testing, varied simulated emergency conditions were given to shifts of trained operators in a high-fidelity computer-controlled simulator at the VEPCO Training Center in Surry, Virginia. A multi-channel audio recorder and a video camera system were used to record operator responses during the simulation. Seven scenarios containing realistic multi-event plant abnormalities were used. Included in the evaluation are operator briefings and debriefings, pilot runs, and before and after (ASPDS - ESF) installation emergency scenario trials. The data for all events is presently undergoing analysis; a final report will be available upon completion of this analysis project.
Simulation and Training for Aircraft Carrier Landings: An Economical Multifactor Approach
Authors: Westra Daniel P.
Published: January 2012

The Visual Technology Research Simulator (VTRS) at the Naval Training Equipment Center was used to study the effects of six factors on carrier-landing training. An in-simulator fractional factorial transfer design was chosen, in which students were trained under various conditions, and then tested under a standard condition that represented maximum realism. The experimental design permitted a relatively large number of variables to be studied, using a relatively small number of student subjects. The subjects were pilots who had no prior carrier-landing experience: 16 recent graduates of Air Force T-38 training, and 16 highly experienced Navy P-3 pilots. Factors investigated were field-of-view, scene detail, platform motion, descent-rate cuing and training task (straight-in approaches vs. circling approaches). Turbulence was included as a factor and pilot type (Navy P-3 vs. Air Force T-38) was also included as a factor to control this source of subject variability. After training under a certain factor-level combination, students were tested on the day, wide field-of-view, circling task with motion and without descent-rate cuing. Results showed that the simulator and training factors generally produced small or no differences in transfer effectiveness. There were some advantages of the wide field-of-view and high-detail conditions, but these effects were small and/or short-lived, generally disappearing after a few transfer trials. Training with straight-in approaches resulted in transfer performance that was equal to or better than that produced by training with circling approaches. There were no motion or descent-rate cuing effects on the transfer task.
Standards for Time Taken in Self-Paced Training
Authors: Zink Donald L.
Published: January 2012

Performance in a self-paced course widely used in the Bell System to train Service Representatives was studied to determine a standard that could be used to terminate training for students whose total training time was predicted to be excessively long. Trainees exhibited a high degree of consistency in the relative amounts of time taken on various parts of the course. In particular, time spent early in training was highly predictive of total time taken to complete the course (r = .83). A standard was set that is predicted to identify correctly nearly 70% of those who would exceed the maximun allowable time for course completion, with a “false alarm” rate of only 5%. The introduction of the standard is expected to result in a significant reduction of systemwide training costs.
Applied Human Factors and its Impact on a Helicopter Night Vision System Configuration
Authors: Waldrop Grace P. , McDonald L. Bruce , Breitmaier William A. , Mitchell Lcdr. T.
Published: January 2012

The Naval Air Systems Command is presently developing and evaluating the Marine Corp's Helicopter Night Vision System (HNVS). A major input in the technical development of the HNVS was a program of simulation research to obtain human factors data on aircrew performance. The research systematically addressed alternative design configurations and reduced the number of human factors variables to a manageable level for flight test validation.
Roadmaps versus Roadsigns: Which is the Better Metalanguage?
Authors: Isa Barbara S. , Neal Alan S. , Evey R. James , McVey Bernard W.
Published: January 2012

Metalanguages are often used in programming reference manuals to describe the syntactic features of programming languages. This experiment tested two metalanguages, the IBM conventional syntax notation which uses brackets and braces, and syntax diagrams that are similar to that used in Pascal language manuals which are sometimes referred to as railroad tracks. A two-day experimental design was used in which the subjects were trained and tested on one language the first day, and then trained and tested on the second language the next day in a counterbalanced design. Four phases of this experiment were conducted, with 12 subjects in each phase. The experimental procedure remained the same in each phase, but the subject population (programmers or nonprogrammers) or training material (full manual or one-page instruction) was changed from one phase to the next. No performance differences were found between the two metalanguages when the subjects were given extensive training. However, when training was restricted to one page of instruction, performance was consistently superior with the Pascal method.
Contingency in Visual Scanning of Cockpit Traffic Displays
Authors: Ellis Stephen R.
Published: January 2012

A statistical method to identify reliable, repetitive scanning patterns in the positions of visual fixations has been developed and applied to data from 8 airline pilots who monitored cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTI). Their fixational transition patterns between points of interest on the display showed deterministic, statistical dependencies generally associated with symbols predicting future aircraft position. These dependencies constitute deviations from stratified random sampling of the visual information on the display, confirm the importance of future aircraft position information for the use of CDTI, and provide objective support for the existence of “scanpaths” in visual fixation patterns.
Gender and Cognitive Abilities in the Acquisition and Transfer of Basic Flying Skills - Another Look
Authors: McCloy Thomas M. , Wood Frank R. , Stollings Michael N.
Published: January 2012

Thirty Air Force Academy cadets, 15 males and 15 females, participated in an experiment designed to investigate the relationship between certain cognitive abilities, gender and the acquisition and transfer of basic flying skills. Subjects were classified into low, medium and high groups based on their scores on tests measuring spatial relations and visualization. Males and females were matched within the groups. Results suggest classification removes previous apparent gender differences in psychomotor performance.
Practicable Ergonomics: The Challenge to Change
Authors: Blache Klaus M.
Published: January 2012

A workable “systems approach” ergonomics program must be comprehensive, yet practicable in application. In order of the evolutionary development of Fisher Body's Manufacturing Ergonomic Program, data analysis, workplace analysis, recommended changes, training, reporting and evaluating progress and future planning are discussed. Emphasis throughout is put on practical implementation.
Analysis of Emergency Staffing for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Lindell Michael K.
Published: January 2012

Determination of staffing requirements for response to nuclear plant emergencies should be based upon task analysis in order to ensure that emergency functions can be performed in any type of accident. The method of analysis must recognize the differences between personnel performance in normal and emergency conditions and the limited information available for analysis of emergency tasks. A four-phase method is described that consists of generic analysis (identification of general emergency functions and tasks), situational analysis (definition of the characteristics of the classes of emergencies that can occur), quantitative analysis (determination of workloads, by position) and sensitivity analysis (examination of the degree to which changes in assumptions produce changes in required staffing levels).
Human Factors in Keypad Design
Authors: Goodman D. , Dickinson J. , Francas M.
Published: January 2012

A series of studies is reported in which a number of human factors considerations were investigated in the design of a keypad entry system for Telidon public access terminals. Initial studies evaluated subjects' preferences with simulated keypads upon which subjects performed simulated Telidon tasks. Subsequently, working prototypes were developed of the two most preferred keypads. User performance and preference were evaluated in a series of field studies. It was found that preference measures for the prototypes closely approximated data derived using the simulations, indicating validity of this inexpensive method of design testing.
Dynamic Visual Inspection: Queueing Models
Authors: Fisher Donald L. , Moroze Michael L. , Morrison Robert E.
Published: January 2012

Dynamic visual inspection is required in many different industrial contexts. This article will focus on the process of inspecting items moving along a conveyor belt for defects of one form or another. A limited capacity queueing model (LCQM) of subjects' behavior in dynamic visual inspection tasks is proposed. The LCQM is shown to fit the results from a recent study by Wentworth and Buck (1982). In addition, it is shown how one can increase both productivity and profits in dynamic visual inspection tasks using the LCQM.
Spatial and Verbal Displays in a C3 Probablistic Information Integration Task
Authors: Scott Brad , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

Eight subjects performed a probablistic information integration task in which multiple cues, in favor of either of two competing hypotheses were presented. The cues varied in their reliability and their diagnostic value in choosing between the hypotheses. Primary interest focussed on the comparison of digital and analog-graphical displays, and upon sources of non-optimality in the information integration process. Generally the analog displays proved superior to the digital, and performance was better when information was presented at a more rapid rate. Subjects appeared to be non-optimal in their treatment of reliability vs. diagnosticity. However, departures from optimality related to serial position effects and to the use of the appropriate model of information integration were not observed.
Speed-Accuracy Tradeoffs in Spatial Orientation Information Processing
Authors: Schlegel Robert E. , Storm William F.
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to further evaluate the Manikin Task, a test of spatial orientation information processing. The objectives of the study were to determine the speed vs. accuracy tradeoff characteristics of the task and to assess performance on the task under the influence of ethyl alcohol. Response times and accuracy were measured on five subjects over a five-week period. Analysis of the data indicated a definite decline in accuracy corresponding to a forced decrease in response time. The effect of alcohol was evidenced by a change in the slope of the speed-accuracy tradeoff function.
Issues in Training for Skilled Performance
Authors: Fisk Arthur D. , Scerbo Mark W. , Schneider Walter
Published: January 2012

Four fallacies concerning training for skilled performance that are often implicitly assumed in training programs are discussed. These fallacies are: 1) Practice makes perfect; 2) Training of the total skill is optimum; 3) the goal of training is to produce accurate performance; and 4) skill training is intrinsically enjoyable. Automatic/controlled processing theory, which emphasizes how training may be done to avoid these fallacies, is briefly discussed. Finally, 11 training guidelines are provided for the optimization of skill training.
The Use of the Additive Factors Methodology in the Analysis of Skill
Authors: Mané Amir M. , Coles Michael G.H. , Wickens Christopher D. , Donchin Emanuel
Published: January 2012

We present an objective procedure based on the additive factors methodology for analyzing a complex task into its components. Subjects performed 16 variants of a video-game, “Space Fortress”, in which four dimensions of game difficulty were manipulated orthogonally. Evaluation of the pattern of main effects and interactions for 18 performance measures revealed that the task could be broken down into two separable and one integral components. These components were associated with appraisal, motor, and perceptual-motor skills, respectively. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed method for the design of training and for the analysis of performance deficits.
Wrist Deviation in Manual Materials Handling
Authors: Begbie K. , Drury C. G. , Deeb J.
Published: January 2012

In fitting the Manual Materials Handling task to the operator, the interface between the human body and the object handled is of considerable importance. Design of handles in particular is an area in which design data are needed. As a box is raised or lowered, the operator must accommodate to the handles by deviating the wrist. An experiment to measure the effects of this deviation on anatomical, physiological and psychophysical variables was performed. Thirty industrial subjects took part in this static box-holding task. Results showed that changing the handle deviation had about the same effect as changing the box weight by 16%. Radial deviation proved to be worse than ulnar deviation.
Effective Human Factors Engineering
Authors: Ehrenreich S. L. , Cosky M. J.
Published: January 2012

Human factors engineers employ various techniques when designing a system. These include the use of intuition, existing data, design guidelines, and in-depth research. This paper reviews and evaluates these techniques. It concludes with suggestions on how to improve the effectiveness of human factors engineering.
A Psychological Approach to Evaluating Decision Support Systems
Authors: Adelman Leonard
Published: January 2012

This paper provides an overview of a standardized questionnaire built around the foundation of a multi-attribute utility assessment hierarchy, and utilizing psychometric guidelines for test construction, to measure the potential utility of five decision support system (DSS) prototypes developed for aiding different areas of U.S. Air Force tactical decision making.
Automated Data Collection
Authors: Kennedy Peter J. , Lewis James R.
Published: January 2012

Human factors organizations frequently are requested to provide recommendations about design choices to a product design team. These recommendations should be based on operator performance data. However, in many cases the required information may not be present in the current literature and time and personnel resources may be limited. This paper describes how this problem has been solved by the Human Factors group in IBM at Boca Raton. We are using the IBM Personal Computer as a process controller for studies in our lab. This low cost tool facilitates the automation of studies which require the recording of data for subsequent analysis. The Personal Computer has also been used to analyze the data.
A Test Bed for Evaluating Forward Area Air Defense Weapon Systems Operators
Authors: Carter Richard J. , Drewfs Paul R.
Published: January 2012

The events which led to the need for a test bed were detailed. The test bed fabrication process, consisting of design engineering, hardware acquisition, installation, and checkout, software design/development, and hardware integration and testing, was discussed. A brief description of the test bed was presented.
Theoretical Development of an Adaptive Secondary Task to Measure Pilot Workload for Flight Evaluations
Authors: Schiflett Samuel G.
Published: January 2012

A series of research projects were reviewed that formulated the basis for the theoretical development and evaluation of an adaptive secondary task to measure pilot workload. The final flight project established the technical feasability of using a visual and auditory item-recognition (Sternberg) task as a measure of sensory-response loading and reserve information processing capacity while flying precision pitch maneuvers simulating terrain profiles. The discrete item secondary task presented letters of the alphabet at a rate driven by a scoring algorithm that adapted to the pitch error scores i.e., cross-coupled to the primary task. The preliminary results indicate an appreciable increase in reaction time and errors for the visual secondary task while flying the terrain avoidance primary task as compared to flying the same task under auditory task loading. Preliminary conclusions support the multiple resource model of information processing.
Vibration Isolation of Power Tool Operators
Authors: Suggs C.W. , Abrams C.F.
Published: January 2012

Vibration measurements on a selection of powered hand tools revealed that many exceeded recommended handle vibration levels. Handles attached to the tool bodies with isolating mounts generally vibrated less than non-isolated handles. Resilient (foam rubber) handgrips, placed between the tool handles and the operator's hand provided good isolation at higher frequencies. Reasonable thicknesses of foam soft enough to reduce the lower frequencies were not strong enough to withstand the high handgrip and other forces required to operate the tools without complete compression of the cells. The resulting configuration caused increased stiffness and loss of low frequency attenuation.
Advantages and Limitations of Various Methods Used to Study Occupational Fall Accident Patterns
Authors: Cohen H. Harvey
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a discussion of over six years of research performed by the author and funded principally by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States. Three major studies have thus far looked at falls on level working surfaces, falls on stairs, and falls from ladders. To a lesser extent, in other studies, falls from other elevated workstations have been looked at. A combination of case history, epidemiologically-based, and experimentally controlled, retrospective and prospective, field study approaches have been used, including:

1. Review of existing injury records, 2. Detailed accident investigations, involving both interviews and site observations, 3. Comprehensive, case-control, retrospective interview and site observation surveys, 4. Prospective longitudinal studies involving both setting up and operating for several years safety and health information systems for specific high risk industries, and 5. Video recorded observations of critical incidents as they actually occurred over extended periods at high risk worksites.

Findings to date are discussed in light of the types of data best obtainable from each approach, as well as ergonomics principles for controlling workplace accidents resulting from falls.
The Effect of Air Velocity on Thermal Comfort
Authors: Konz Stephan , Al-Wahab Sudad , Gough Helen
Published: January 2012

Experiment 1 investigated oscillating vs fixed fans. Eight males were exposed to seven conditions in each of three temperatures (25.6, 27.8, and 30 C (78, 82, 86 F); all at 50% rh). The seven conditions were: still air, velocity of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 m/s from a fixed fan, and mean velocity of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 m/s from an oscillating fan. For equal comfort, for every increase of mean air velocity of 0.1 m/s (between 0.4 and 1.2 m/s), environmental temperature can be increased by .27 C for the oscillating fan and by 0.40 C for the fixed fan. At the same mean velocity, oscillating fans are voted more comfortable than fixed fans.

Experiment 2 investigated the effect of a small directional axial-flow desk fan on comfort at 26.1 C (79 F). The 16 females tested fan off vs a 1.5 m/s flow on all six combinations of: torso vs face impact of air stream, and impact from straight ahead, 30° to the right, and 60° to the right. Angle was not significant. The use of the fan was equivalent to a decrease of air temperature of 0.63 C (i.e., 0.1 m/s = 0.042 C). Thus the personal desk fan can be used as a “fine tuner” in an acceptable environment. Those wearing glasses preferred air on the face, those wearing contacts preferred the torso; those wearing neither were divided. Thus fan placement should be left to the individual.
Isometric Strength Test Consistency over Time
Authors: Stobbe Terrence J. , Plummer Ralph W. , Shreves Donald P.
Published: January 2012

Workmen's Compensation costs have become a major financial burden on industry. A significant part of these costs are the result of musculoskeletal injuries. One method of controlling these injuries is matching employees to jobs based on strength. Isometric strength testing has been shown to be an effective method of matching employee strength capability to job strength requirements. The use of screening test raises the question of test-retest consistency. This study was designed to determine the consistency of isometric strength test results over time. Thirteen student volunteer subjects (10m, 3F) participated in a testing protocol consisting of five strength tests performed a minimum of two times each at two week intervals. Four test sessions were held. An analysis of variance was used to identify week to week strength differences in the test population. Each of the five tests was analyzed separately and no significant week to week strength differences were found. This result further supports the validity of using isometric strength testing as a selection tool.
Human Awakening and Subsequent Identification of Fire-Related Cues
Authors: Kahn Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Twenty-four college-age male subjects, employed for one night each, were evaluated on their ability to awaken and then identify fire cues. Twelve subjects were exposed to smoke alarm warning signals of three intensities, while a second set of twelve subjects were exposed to a smoke odor, a heat presentation, and a single smoke alarm warning signal. Subjects were, in all cases, awakened by alarms that reached their ears at signal/noise ratios of 34 dB. They were considerably less likely to be awakened by heat, smoke odor, and alarm sounds that reached their ears at signal/noise ratios of 10 dB or less. Upon awakening, subjects repeatedly failed to correctly label radiant heat presentations and smoke alarm warnings as fire cues.
Personality and Motivational Factors of U. S. Naval Academy Graduates as Indicators of Aviation Mishap Potential
Authors: Alkov Robert A. , Borowsky Michael S. , Gaynor John A. , Montor Karel
Published: January 2012

Although the concept of accident-proneness has fallen into disfavor because of the failure to statistically identify accident repeaters from their personality characteristics, it may be possible to predict mishap liability for those who enter a military flying career.

The 16PF, Motivational Analysis Test and the Athletic Motivation Inventory administered to U. S. Naval Academy freshman classes were examined. Scores of over 1700 graduates from the classes of 1975-1981, who were subsequently designated as naval aviators, were studied. Using their flight hours and mishaps accumulated during the first two to five years of their flying careers, a mishap rate was calculated for low and high groups on each personal dimension.

Scores were placed into ten stens within each dimension (e.g., reserved-outgoing) based on the standardization sampling of all U. S. college undergraduates. Due to the normal distribution of scores, stens 1 and 10 had very low numbers. Any rate based on so few cases was very unstable. One or two mishaps could change the rate dramatically. Therefore, the mishap rates were examined by grouping stens. A chi square test was used to determine if sten ranges differed significantly in their aircraft mishap rates. There were 9 of 67 dimensions in which the sten ranges differed significantly. These are discussed.
Design for Effective Maintenance: Safety Data Provide Important Directions
Authors: Schmitt John C.
Published: January 2012

Portions of the Naval Safety Center Accident and Mishap Data Base were examined for directions as to how Safety data can be used to generate principles of human factors design for the maintainer. Sixty-six objective variables plus narrative data from 5886 mishap cases were subjected to analysis. A non-parametric case selection model was developed, resulting in close examination of three specific clusters of similar cases. For each, design improvement directions were clearly indicated, and the methodology used to select them is extensible to other real-world data bases.
Human Operator Modeling: Four Perspectives
Authors: Jorgensen Charles , Hennessey Robert , Baron Shelly , Linton Paul , Lane Norman
Published: January 2012

In recent years, increased attention to human factors issues has highlighted the need for cost effective analytic methods that permit the identification and prediction of human contributions to overall system performance. Human performance modeling and the associated need for its implementation has gained acceptance in a variety of technical areas spanning the military, the industrial community, the academic community, and Europe. Heightened awareness of the need for improved models of the human has led to the formation of a variety of special study groups including the National Science Foundation working group on human performance modeling, the tri-service technical advisory sub-TAG on military modeling, and multinational NATO panels. The forces and problems which are causing the growth in human operator models are both varied and complex. Due to the rapid changes taking place in the state of the modeling art, it is increasingly difficult to gain a comprehensive picture of where the area of human modeling is going and what the major interests of the participants are. In response to this need, the Department of Defense human factors technical advisory group has arranged to bring together a forum of experts in the modeling area to both educate and stimulate interest in the human factors community at large. Each expert represents a different constituency of human model users and needs. Each will attempt to summarize the views of their area and project future directions. Dr. Bob Hennessy (National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences) will discuss the forces driving NSF interest in human modeling from an academic research perspective. Dr. Shelly Baron (Bolt, Beranek, and Newman) will discuss from the perspective of private industry, Mr. Paul Linton (United States representative to the NATO panel on human modeling) will present a European perspective, and Commander Norman Lane will provide information on the DOD modeling emphasis. Dr. Chuck Jorgensen (panel chair) will draw on his experience with the Army MOPADS human modeling project to put a global perspective on the panel discussion and to frame questions. This presentation is designed to be an open forum and questions from the audience are encouraged.
Intelligent Display Interface for Situation Monitoring, Management and Maintenance (M3)
Authors: Chu Yee-yeen , Madni Azad M.
Published: January 2012

Automation in power and propulsion plants, if not carefully introduced, can be a mixed blessing for the human operator. Instead of enhancing operator performance and alleviating his workload and errors, it may have quite the opposite effect. This is especially true when the information presented to the operator is ambiguous, inadequate, inefficient, or ineffective for the operator to monitor, manage, and maintain the system. To circumvent this potential problem, an “intelligent” display interface (IDI) approach is proposed to maximize the overall performance of the operator-automation system. The approach consists of (1) a repertoire of dynamic situation portrayal techniques to present timely and cognitively-compatible information necessary for the plant operation and (2) an active model-based executive program acting as a knowledge mediator which is capable of ascertaining operator states, the information relevance, causal relationships, and potential usefulness of alternative sensor sources, transmission systems, and display resources. The underlying basis for the approach is that it will provide the display interface with the knowledge of the task states and appropriate focus and response in such a manner that, when coupled with the automated functions, allows it to opportunistically convey and exchange information between the operator and the system, thereby maximizing the overall operator/system performance. This paper describes a generic IDI concept, the elements of IDI features, and suggests that the IDI design concept can provide a coherent human/automation team in the monitoring, management, and maintenance of power/propulsion plants.
The Development and Application of an Ergonomic Database Management System
Authors: Gilfoil David M. , Murray J. Thomas , Van Praag John
Published: January 2012

There exists a voluminous body of human factors literature pertaining to various aspects of human/computer interface design. This literature is frequently reviewed and cited as source documentation by human factors industry professionals. Traditional “hard copy” methods of storage/retrieval of this information are inefficient because of people, resource, and location constraints. The Ergonomics department at Exxon Office Systems has developed a preliminary version of a computerized information storage and retrieval system. Using this Ergonomic Design Guidelines and Rules (E.D.G.A.R.) system, department members develop and maintain a closer working knowledge of the human factors research literature. They are also able to quickly and accurately retrieve and apply guidelines to a variety of human/computer design situations. The design objectives of the EDGAR system, details of the system itself, and a preliminary evaluation are presented in this paper.
An Empirical Validation of a Model of Human Decision Making for Human-Computer Communication
Authors: Revesman Mark E. , Greenstein Joel S.
Published: January 2012

As the sophistication of computer technology increases, the number of systems in which both a human and computer take controlling roles will increase. Effective communication between the human and computer is essential to prevent redundant or interfering actions. If a method for accurately predicting the human's actions can be found, the computer could avoid redundant actions by working around the human. This paper empirically validates a model of human behavior in a multiple task, process control situation. Results indicate that the model appears to be an accurate predictor of human performance, consistently predicting over 70% of the subjects' actions over a range of situations. The possible value of this model will be investigated in a study in which the computer is implemented as a parallel decision maker, using the model predictions in place of overt communication.
Evaluation of Speech Technology for Automatic Target Recognition
Authors: Mountford S. Joy , Schwartz Jeff , Graffunder Kurt
Published: January 2012

This experiment integrated a speech-interactive system with a prototype automatic target recognizer. The scenario simulated was that of an attack helicopter pop-up maneuver searching for several target types. The sequence of tasks during operational control of the target screener involved pilot entry of navigation coordinates, targeting mode, target type, target selection and weapon preparation. This task sequence is experimentally evaluated using three different modalities of interaction: a speech recognition and speech generation dialogue, speech recognition with visual prompting, and conventional visual-manual transactions. The results indicate significantly better flight control performance during simultaneous speech-interaction for the targeting tasks. Speech technology results indicate selective performance benefits for the entire sequence of targeting tasks, which are not apparent at the individual switch-closure level. Overall avionics system activities are well supported by the current data.
Case Study: Designing the ERBS Control Room
Authors: Stewart Lisa J. , Mitchell Christine M. , Murphy Elizabeth D.
Published: January 2012

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is the site of command, control, and communication support for NASA near-earth satellites. Recently, human factors has been incorporated into the control room design process. The first project was the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS). This paper summarizes the results of the ERBS human factors analysis, discusses the problems of human factors involvement in the Goddard design process, and identifies and discusses issues likely to determine the effectiveness of future Goddard human factors analyses.
Validation for Performance Measurement in the Task of Fault Management
Authors: Surgenor Brian W. , McGeachy John D.
Published: January 2012

The application of a part-task nuclear simulator to the measurement of performance in the task of fault management was studied. Specifically, the design of the simulator was evaluated for internal and external validity. External validation required confirmation that the task presented by the simulator had the essential elements of the real task. In the context of this particular study, internal validation required confirmation that performance on the simulator represented an accurate and fair measure of a subject's understanding of fundamental principles.

The requirements for external and internal validity were found to be in conflict. Performance on the simulator was not an accurate measure of fundamental understanding because the task was realistic. However, it was concluded that a part-task simulator does provide an effective method of gathering information on human performance.
A Comparison of two Handedness Questionnaires
Authors: Courtright John F. , Frankenfeld Curtis A.
Published: January 2012

A quickly administered, valid, reliable instrument to determine right-, left-, and mixed-handedness in personnel would be useful in a variety of applied research settings. Several self-report, paper and pencil questionnaires exist which may fill this need. This study compared responses to two such questionnaires to self-reports of handedness. Suggestions are provided for further research which may lead to a relatively short, but sensitive questionnaire.
Functional Anthropometry in Automotive Design
Authors: Philippart Nancy , Kuechenmeister Timothy
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the philosophy and development of several functional anthropometric tools currently used in automotive workspace design. These functional tools are statistical models which describe the probabilistic location of the driving population's body landmarks within vehicle space as a function of the vehicles' packaging parameters. Such tools provide a more realistic alternative to selection of the so called ‘representative 5th percentile female and 95th percentile male’ used in the past to qualify accommodation of a given vehicle workspace. They end the ‘guestimation’ procedure of trying to apply the structural dimensions of single individuals of certain stature percentiles to a complex workspace arrangement to define its accommodation. Although the tools described in this paper are specific to automotive workspace design, the philosophy and methodology for development of such functional models can have universal application.
The Real Challenge in Robotic Systems
Authors: Deringer Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Robotic systems are machines, and as machines they have sufficient power to do enormous amounts of work. This same power, even under the most highly computer-controlled conditions can, unexpectedly inflict injury upon the human worker. There isn't a robot in existence today that will infallably shake your hand without at least a remote urge to crush your fingers.

The best selection and training process will never fully protect the operators and maintenance workers who must give constant attention to these robotic systems. Robotic systems in extremely hot, hazardous, or hostile environments are even more lethal to the human interventioner who is pre-occuppied with his own personal safety from the ambient area.

We've got to remember, too, that we're approaching the workers with something entirely new! Their perception of what robots will do for them…and to them is at best very limited. Until full knowledge is acquired about all of the many new and complex robotic systems, and good understanding come into focus for them, then this new technology poses problems. Involvement and encouragement of the human workers in the earliest processes will promote a positive acceptance.

The two important premises of this critical paper are drawn from over twenty years of on-the-floor experience addressing these all-important issues. The first factor is total involvement of all human workers in the planning, selection, and implementation cycle. The second, and more important, is the concern for the safety of the human workers in this interactive arena with high technology robotic systems.

This challenge can be more than adequately met. Awareness and fore-sighted engineering by the Human Factors scientist and practitioner in dealing with this, as yet, unpredictable technology will produce a workplace environment which the worker will perceive as safe, as well as desirable. The social implications are staggering!
Rapid Measurement of Contrast Sensitivity Using a New Contrast Sensitivity Vision Test Chart System: Initial Population Data
Authors: Ginsburg Arthur P. , Evans David W.
Published: January 2012

Contrast sensitivity functions of thirty-one young adults were determined using two recently developed chart systems. Resulting data were compared to data previously obtained with video display systems. Results indicate that the chart system can provide contrast sensitivity data similar to that obtained with microprocessor systems. Analysis of data from an additional license plate reading task produced significant Pearson product moment correlations between contrast sensitivities at 18 cycles per degree of visual angle and mean reading distance (r=.53, p<.05), and visual acuity (r=.53, p<.05), indicating that data obtained with the new chart system may be used to predict visual task performance. Since these charts are simple to use, require no calibration and little training, are relatively inexpensive, and provide immediate feedback on the correctness of the observer's response, these charts could be used to obtain contrast sensitivity functions for visual screening and job-related hiring standards.
An Integrated Team Approach to Improving Emergency Procedures
Authors: Clausen Max J.
Published: January 2012

Experience has shown that in Nuclear applications the introduction of Human Factors makes a strong positive contribution if done correctly. Early attempts were made by specialists who did not know the environment that they were supporting well enough to be effective. Switching to multidisciplinary teams has led to resource efficient effective results.
A Comparison of Model-Based and Explicit Communication for Task Allocation
Authors: Arnaut Lynn Y. , Greenstein Joel S. , Revesman Mark E.
Published: January 2012

In a dynamic task allocation approach both the human and the computer are capable of performing the same tasks. This study compared two methods of human-computer communication for dynamic task allocation: explicit and model-based communication. With explicit communication the human directed the computer and the computer did not perform any actions on its own. With model-based communication the computer had a model of the human which predicted the human's actions and the computer used this model to work on its own. Subjects performed a process monitoring task using both of these allocation methods. In addition, in half the trials they had knowledge of the computer's actions and in the other half they did not. The results indicated that overall system performance was always better under model-based communication, although human performance alone was better with explicit communication. In addition, overall system and human scores were higher when the human had knowledge of the computer's actions.
Undergraduate Human Factors Programs: The Need, the Problems, the Outlook
Authors: Gardner Daryle Jean
Published: January 2012

Given the Human Factors Society's current interest in accreditation and certification issues, it is important to consider both undergraduate and graduate curriculums in human factors. The purpose of this paper is to develop the point that formal human factors education can begin at the undergraduate level, and to describe one undergraduate program currently offered through the Department of Psychology at Kearney State College.
Estimation of Comprehensive Anthropometric Data from Limited Information
Authors: Bittner Alvah C. , Moroney William F.
Published: January 2012

Anthropometric data were statistically estimated for a current aviator population using a stratified weighting technique. Results for 18 anthropometric variables are provided. This method has application for estimation of anthropometric features when few data are available.
Man-Machine Enhancements to Existing Fftf Control Panels
Authors: Miller E. M.
Published: January 2012

FFTF Project enhanced existing control panels with tape and labels to mitigate operator problems and to incorporate the guidance of NUREG-0700. The enhancements grouped displays and controls into meaningful units and labelled controls and displays to facilitate their identification and efficient use. The enhancements were inexpensive and well received by the facility's operations staff.
Acceptance and Use of Job Performance Aids within an Integrated Personnel Systems Approach
Authors: Smillie Robert J. , Clelland Iain
Published: January 2012

Job performance aids (JPAs) were developed within an integrated personnel system framework in order to determine if JPAs (1) are accepted by technicians with low and high levels of aptitude and (2) are used as a source for maintenance information during task performance. The Enlisted Personnel Individualized Career System (EPICS) is an integrated personnel systems approach with emphasis on (JPAs) that incorporates advances made in many people related research and development areas. The goals of EPICS are reduced front-end training, increased relevance of formal training through early job assignment and distributed training, individualized career advancement, and improved personnel utilization. Job design, JPAs, and training modules were the major components used to achieve the EPICS goals. Two types of JPAs were developed: (1) a completely integrated pictorial/text format in which frequent use of pictorials allows the user to focus on the pictorial and use the text to supplement the pictorial, and (2) a more conventional format in which text was supported by pictorials when necessary. JPA use and acceptance were measured by two different types of questionnaires. For acceptance, JPAs were preferred over conventional documentation for at least some first time (both scheduled and unscheduled) and infrequent tasks by 77–81% of the respondents. When grouped according to electronics aptitude, however, a greater number of lower electronics aptitude personnel preferred JPAs when compared to the higher electronics aptitude personnel (67% vs. 38%). Data on how JPAs were actually used complement the acceptance data in that lower electronics aptitude personnel used JPAs more than the higher electronics aptitude personnel, 15% more for scheduled maintenance and 10% more for unscheduled maintenance. Similar results were found for a general aptitude measure. Although the JPAs were highly pictorial in format, there were no differences in JPA use according to reading level. Results are discussed in terms of how JPA design appears to be related to differential use by low and high aptitude technicians.
Nuclear Power Plant Control room Operators' Performance Research
Authors: Gray Lewis H. , Haas Paul M.
Published: January 2012

A research program is being conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide information on the performance of nuclear power plant control room operators when responding to abnormal/emergency events in the plants and in full-scope training simulators. The initial impetus for this program was the need for data to assess proposed design criteria for the choice of manual versus automatic action for accomplishing safety-related functions during design basis accidents. The program also included studies of training simulator capabilities, of procedures and data for specifying and verifying simulator performance, and of methods and applications of task analysis.
Caculator Watches as Data Entry Devices: The Fundamental Things Apply as Time Goes by
Authors: Beringer Dennis B.
Published: January 2012

Performance comparisons were made among three “calculator watch” devices that employed different technologies for data input. These included hardware keys, software keys, and figural recognition. Although the figural recognition device supposedly required the least training to operate, other factors reduced its utility considerably. Specifically, entry rates were slower for this device and error rates higher than for the other two types of devices. Data entry rates were also compared to those possible for other modes of entry, including unconstrained methods.
Color Combinations and Contrast Reversals on Visual Display Units
Authors: Pace Bruce J.
Published: January 2012

The legibility effects of twenty-four combinations of text and background colors on the performance of a visual search task and an address input task on a visual display unit were studied. Eighteen females and eighteen males were each exposed to eight color combinations conditions in one session of approximately two hours duration. Subjects were allowed to adjust brightness-contrast settings to their preferred levels to give functional measurements of color combination effects. For the search task, the lowest error rate was for black text on a blue background (.0012 errors/character) which was 2.7 times lower than the higher error rates associated with color combinations of magenta on green, green on white, and white on black.
Human Factors in Systems Development: Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Development Approaches
Authors: Ross Eugene H.
Published: January 2012

A project team involved in large scale computer system development usually has a prescribed or traditional approach to guide them in accomplishing their task. This approach is influenced by system development standards. There are situations though, where business requirements dictate the need to revise the approach. The present paper addresses both the traditional and non-traditional methods of approach for the large scale computer project. It also describes the key role the human factors specialist plays in either approach.