bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allocation of Responsibility for Product Safety
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Lovvoll David R. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Three studies were carried out to explore how people allocate responsibility for safety during product use. In Study 1 29 consumer products were named and subjects apportioned safety responsibility to the manufacturer, the retailer, the user, and a potentially relevant organization not in the stream of commerce (e.g., FDA, CPSC, Underwriters Laboratories). The mean percent responsibility allocated to these four alternatives was 43%, 9%, 27% and 21% respectively. A significant interaction indicated that the allocation varied across products. In Study 2 safety responsibility for the same products was allocated to the manufacturer, retailer and user, but the “outside” organization was omitted. The mean percent allocated was 51%, 20% and 30% respectively. In this study, additional questions assessed various perceptions of the products and the subject's familiarity with the products. The results indicated that responsibility allocation was a function of perception of product hazardousness; the more hazardous a product is perceived to be, the more responsibility is allocated to the user. Study 3 investigated some of the attributes of high hazard products which are associated with various allocations of product safety. For high hazard products with open and obvious risks (chain saws, cutting torches), more responsibility was allocated to consumers as opposed to manufacturers. On the other hand, for those high hazard products with “hidden” risks (pesticides, antifreeze), manufacturers were typically allocated a much higher degree of responsibility.
Human Factors — The Early Years
Authors: Meister David
Published: January 2012

One way to examine the progress of the Human Factors discipline is to perform a content analysis of the programs of the Society's early annual meetings. The period covered is 1959-1972, after which proceedings were published. The results of the analysis shows that interest in some research topics ebbs and flows, whereas other interests remain relatively stable.
The Effects of Latex Examination Gloves on Hand Function: A Pilot Study
Authors: Moore Benny J. , Solipuram Sudheer R. , Riley Michael W.
Published: January 2012

Over the last decade the use of latex examination gloves by dental professionals has increased significantly. The proliferation in latex glove use is primarily due to recommendations and guidelines established by both the Centers far Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Because a significant number of dental professionals are wearing latex examination gloves, it is important to understand the limitations and restrictions associated with wearing these gloves. This study investigated the effects of hand condition on three-jaw chuck pinch strength, power grip strength and manual dexterity. Hand condition consisted of three levels: (1) bare hand, (2) hand with a normal sized latex examination glove and (3) hand with a tight fitting latex examination glove. The results of the study indicated that latex examination gloves do not have an effect on three-jaw chuck pinch strength or power grip strength. However the study suggested that ill-fitting latex examination gloves significantly reduce manual dexterity.
The Generalizability of Psychophysical Ratings in Predicting the Perception of Lifting Difficulty
Authors: Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

Psychophysical rating scales have been used as a parameter in lifting guidelines for workers in industrial settings, used to identify musculoskeletal disorders in the workforce, and used as a surveillance tool to identify workforce discomfort. These scales can be an inexpensive and easy-to-use tool for evaluating a large variety of exertions, especially those which are difficult to evaluate using current biomechanical and physiological models because of complex dynamic or asymmetric movements. In order for these scales to be used quantitatively, however, it is essential that they consistently represent the same level of perception across different subjects and tasks. Twenty subjects rated a variety of elbow flexion exertions on the Borg CR-10 scale under two task formats. The intra-subject, inter-subject, and inter-task variations were measured. Results indicate that the Borg CR-10 scale provides a consistent measure of psychophysical perceptions across a variety of task parameters.
Readiness for Duty: Tuning False Positives by Simulation from Empirical Data
Authors: Kennedy Robert S. , Lanham D. Susan , Turnage Janet J.
Published: January 2012

For applications such as the assessment of environmental stress or toxic agents, the metric requirements of performance test batteries include stability, reliability and sensitivity. However, fitness-for-duty applications present additional organizational and management laboratory conditions where the sensitivities of these test batteries are evaluated, the ratio of “treated” to “untreated” subjects is usually 50/50. However, in the workplace, the percentage of persons who are expected NOT to be impaired may be <5% and unless the accuracy of the psychological tests exceeds one minus the percentage NOT impaired (1−.05 = 95%) the percentage of false positives will exceed the percentage of impaired persons identified - thus false positives become a primary management focus. Data from four different empirical data sets (N>100), with multiple repeated measures (15−40 sessions) and a battery of six computerized tests, were implemented into an interactive computerized algorithm. By varying: a) multiple cut-offs; b) number trials in baseline; and c) select decrement criteria, we were able to tune false positive rates to levels lower than three percent.
Life Stress and Performance Impairment: The Role of Off-Task Thinking
Authors: Klein Kitty
Published: January 2012

In previous research (Baradell & Klein, 1993; Klein & Barnes, 1994) self-focused attention has moderated the relationship of life stress and verbal problem solving. Stressed individuals highly aware of internal bodily changes made the most errors and used the least effective strategies. How life stress affects information processing on such tasks has not been investigated. In theories (e. g. Humphreys & Revelle, 1984; Eysenck, 1992) that relate personality variables to cognitive processes, off-task thinking is presumed to mediate the relationship between individual differences and performance. In the present study, 35 students who varied in life stress and self-focus solved complex verbal analogies. The results indicated that high levels of stress and self-focus were related to off-task thinking and that off-task thinking was negatively related to performance. However, regression analyses did not support a mediating role for off-task thinking. Rather, off-task thinking may result from poor performance, rather than vice-versa as is assumed in current models.
The Economics of Ergonomics: Part II
Authors: Alexander David C.
Published: January 2012

The economics of ergonomics is important from a managerial and technical standpoint. This paper continues the discussion on the economics of ergonomics. It includes both conceptual and practical viewpoints, and includes examples to illustrate the techniques described.
Comparison of Simulation and Field Legibility Distances for Symbol Highway Signs
Authors: Greene Frances A. , Huchingson R. Dale , Koppa Rodger J.
Published: January 2012

Past laboratory studies of warning symbol traffic signs have underestimated legibility distances by as much as a factor of two when compared with field studies. For this research, six warning symbol signs were investigated in both a field and laboratory setting using a group of older (over age 65) and young drivers. In the two settings, legibility distance, defined as the distance at which the sign is correctly identified, was collected.

As a major part of this research, a new laboratory simulation technique was developed – a methodology which optimizes factors criticized in earlier studies, thus increasing fidelity. Previously reported large within-subject variability, evident in both age groups, was found to diminish contributions of experimental variables (Greene, Koppa, Zellner, and Congleton, 1994). Correlation coefficients between laboratory and field legibility distances were computed and appear very promising. The newly developed laboratory simulation was a successful first step in correcting problems associated with laboratory studies of the past.
Emotions Matter: User Empathy in the Product Development Process
Authors: Dandavate Uday , Sanders Elizabeth B.-N. , Stuart Susan
Published: January 2012

The reason why some products get intimately linked with people's lives, while others do not, remains a mystery to most consumer products researchers and designers. A shift in thinking from a focus on the rational to the more emotional domains will help us to understand those uniquely human traits that are responsible for people's liking, using, and wanting to live with the products we design.

The gap in the methods and tools available to product development researchers and practitioners is centered upon the emotional domain. This gap exists throughout most of the product development process, both for generative as well as evaluative research. We propose that researchers and practitioners working on product development teams attend to improving their ability to recognize and address the feelings of product users—in particular, the feelings that users have about owning and using products. The success of such products in the future will depend upon the degree to which we learn how to empathize with the product users very early in the product development process.
Using Electronic Dialogue to Augment Traditional Classroom Instruction
Authors: Hahn Heidi Ann
Published: January 2012

This paper demonstrates how an electronic dialogue with a panel of human factors experts was used effectively as an augmentation to traditional classroom instruction. Nine students spent a one and one-half hour class session using a variety of commercial electronic mail software packages available on their own desk-tops (not in a university computer lab) to engage in discussion with remotely distributed instructors on topics generated by the students themselves. Ninety eight messages were exchanged, with about 60% having technical content. Interaction content and style were analyzed, and a survey was distributed to participants to evaluate the session. Process observations by this author augmented these data. Strengths and weaknesses of using technology not specifically designed for this function are discussed.
Global Planning for Ergonomics and Human Factors
Authors: Helander Martin G. , Hendrick Hal W. , Moray Neville , Noy Ian , Wickens Christopher
Published: January 2012

Human factors and ergonomics are quickly evolving and new areas of application are introduced around the world. In industrially developing countries (IDC's) the emphasis was in the past on physical workload. With the introduction of computers there has been a sudden shift in interest, and the problems of HCI and usability of complex systems have become paramount. This panel will discuss the changes in ergonomics, and how they are affected by changing work ethics, and changing needs of the society. It is argued that ergonomics is well suited to adapt to new goals and respond to difficult challenges. As a result we need to prepare ourselves in education and training to meet the new demands in ergonomics. Can certification programs for ergonomists be flexible enough to consider current needs, and can teaching programs incorporate new knowledge? What are some effects on the type of research that will be conducted in the future. How will ergonomics professionals deal with design and applications. These are some of the issues that will be discussed in this panel session.
Effects of a Chair-Mounted Split Keyboard on Performance, Posture and Comfort
Authors: Hedge Alan , Shaw Gregory
Published: January 2012

In a repeated measures experiment, twelve female typists performed typing and cursor positioning tasks using a chair-mounted split keyboard (FAK) and a conventional keyboard (CK) on an articulated tray. Results showed that the FAK significantly reduced ulnar deviation, but did not reduce wrist extension compared with the CK arrangement. Typing speed was slower for the FAK than the CK, but accuracy was unaffected. Videomotion analysis showed that more subjects sat fully back in their chair with their shoulders relaxed and their hands in less ulnar deviation when using the FAK to type. Other postural changes are described. Subjective comfort and strain ratings are described. Results are discussed within the limitations of a short-term laboratory study.
Instrumented Interface Construction Evaluator
Authors: Hicinbothom James H.
Published: January 2012

Human factors engineering research into human-computer interaction (HCI) needs means to easily and objectively study HCI. The Instrumented Interface Construction (IICON) Evaluator, and its associated IICON Data Taps, provide such means. Any X Window system user interface built using development tools for which appropriate IICON Data Taps exist (e.g., IICON Data Taps/TAE+5.2) can be automatically instrumented. Instrumented interfaces can then be used by subjects, recording a complete transcript of user actions. Once an operator's session has been recorded, it can be replayed on-screen as needed for further observation and analysis. These capabilities are extremely helpful for developing cognitive task models (i.e., user models) for analytic purposes, or for construction of Intelligent Agents to be embedded in the operator's computer-based workstation. Furthermore, with a complete objective record of all operator actions, IICON Evaluator supports a wide variety of research investigations of HCI.
Task-Map Coherence for the Design of in-Vehicle Navigation Displays
Authors: Prabhu Girish V. , Shalin Valerie L. , Drury Colin G. , Helander Martin
Published: January 2012

The study reported below investigated the influence of two different navigation tasks on the design of map displays: 1) route following and alternate route generation in an unfamiliar town. The study examined four different maps: 1) north-up, 2) north-up-wedge, 3) track-up and 4) heading separated. The heading separated map was either north-up or south-up depending upon the orientation most compatible with a driver's current heading. This was intended to provide the advantages of a track-up map while reducing the frequency with which the map orientation changed. An analysis of task-map coherence predicted the compatibility of the route following task with either the track-up map or the heading separated map. The analysis also predicted the compatibility of the alternate route generation task with the heading separated map relative to the track-up map. These predictions were tested using a simulation hosted on an engineering workstation. Convergent measures support the predicted advantages of the heading-separated map.
Visibility of Yellow Center Line Pavement Markings as a Function of line Configuration and Line Width
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T. , Schnell Thomas
Published: January 2012

The end detection distance of finite length yellow center lines (tape, no edge lines included) was determined in the field at night under automobile low beam illumination as a function of the line configuration (single dashed, single solid, and double solid) and width (0.05m, 0.1m). Ten subjects were used in the study. The factor line type (configuration and width), and approach direction were statistically significant. A 16 fold increase in the retro-reflective area resulted in a near 100% average end detection distance increase in the westbound direction, and in a 65% average end detection distance increase in the eastbound direction (different backgrounds). The findings confirm that an about 65% to near 100% increase in the average end detection distance represents the approximate upper limit of what can be achieved by adding more retro-reflective area to a yellow center line. Increasing the material retroreflectivity and/or improving the material angularity might be much more effective to increase the detection distance.
Foreign Language Tutoring - Implications for Software Development
Authors: Dahl Susan G. , Plott Beth , Kaplan Jonathan D.
Published: January 2012

Over the past ten years, the Army Research Institute (ARI) Advanced Training Methods Research Unit (ATMRU) has developed tools and techniques to support the Army's language training needs. Most notably, a PC-based military language tutor (MILT) has been developed to teach Arabic and Spanish skills. One of the most powerful elements of this tool is its authoring component, in which an Arabic or Spanish instructor need not be a trained linguist to develop lessons that include a wide variety of exercise types (e.g., multiple choice, full discourse). This capability is possible through the MILT's graphical user interface and embedded natural language processing (NLP) component. This paper describes the process through which this tool was designed to provide a flexible authoring capability as well as a powerful instructional delivery system for a wide target audience.
The Windows Computer Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Miller Laura A. , Stanney Kay M.
Published: January 2012

Windows environments are growing increasingly popular in both academia and industry. Despite the proliferation of these software programs, however, means of systematically determining an individual's experience in a Windows environment are seemingly non-existent. To address this problem we have developed the Windows Computer Experience Questionnaire (WCEQ). This paper describes the questionnaire and the procedures used to establish reliability and validity for the WCEQ. The WCEQ was administered to 82 participants and then re-administered 1-week later. The questionnaire was easy and quick to administer. It also provided a range of results reflecting the inherent diversity in computer experience of the group studied. Split-half and test-retest results indicated that the WCEQ has high internal consistency and is a reliable tool for measuring a user's knowledge of Windows environments. Furthermore, initial validity studies in a follow-up study provided evidence of the instrument's construct validity.
An Initial Evaluation of a Direct Vestibular Display in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Cress Jeffrey D. , Hettinger Lawrence J. , Cunningham James A. , Riccio Gary E. , McMillan Grant R. , Haas Michael W.
Published: January 2012

The US Air Force Armstrong Laboratory's Human Interface Technology Branch is currently investigating the development and potential application of direct vestibular displays. The Electrical Vestibular Stimulus (EVS) technology described in this paper uses electrodes located behind the ears to deliver a low-level electrical current in the area of the eighth cranial nerve of the central nervous system to produce a compelling sensation of roll motion about the body's fore-aft axis. In this study, subjects experienced the EVS display while simultaneously observing a large field-of-view visual roll display, and were asked to rate various aspects of quality and magnitude of self-motion. The two displays were driven in a sinusoidal fashion at various phase relationships relative to one another. Results revealed that the fidelity of the motion experience depended upon the phase relationship between the two displays. Results also indicated that when an appropriate phase relationship was used, the vestibular display significantly improved the fidelity of the motion experience when compared to a visual-only display.
The Value of Display Space at Encoding and Retrieval in Keeping Track
Authors: Hess Stephen M. , Detweiler Mark C.
Published: January 2012

Participants kept track of rapidly changing information in a two-session experiment which investigated how altering the spatial characteristics of a display influences performance in a complex memory task. Participants took advantage of spatial resources in the display when they were available at both encoding and retrieval. Participants trained with spatial support showed poor transfer when spatial information was removed as a retrieval cue. Results suggest that the spatial distribution of displayed data can aid keeping track when spatial support is consistently available at both encoding and retrieval, and when the support provided in training is also available in the transfer display.
Effects of Modality on Interrupted Flight Deck Performance: Implications for Data Link
Authors: Latorella Kara A.
Published: January 2012

Externally-imposed tasks frequently interrupt ongoing task performance in the commercial flight deck. While normally managed without consequence, basic research as well as aviation accident and incident investigations show that interruptions can negatively affect performance and safety. This research investigates the influence of interruption and interrupted task modality on pilot performance in a simulated commercial flight deck. Fourteen current commercial airline pilots performed approach scenarios in a fixed-base flight simulator. Air traffic control instructions, conveyed either aurally or visually ( via a data link system) interrupted a visual task (obtaining information from the Flight Management System) and an auditory task (listening to the automated terminal information service recording). Some results confirm the hypothesized performance advantage of cross-modality conditions, more compelling nature of auditory interruptions, and interruption-resistance of auditory ongoing tasks. However, taken together, results suggest the four interaction conditions had different effects on pilot performance. These results have implications for the design of data link systems, and for facilitating interruption management through interface design, aiding, and training programs.
Adaptivity and Judgment in Rule Verification Tasks: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bisantz Ann M. , Kirlik Alex
Published: January 2012

Recent studies of decision making have suggested that the poor performance typically demonstrated by traditional decision making research is due not to failures on the part of the human, but failures of the empirical studies to test performance in representative situations. In particular, some researchers have studied how experience in an uncertain environment can improve performance. We describe research designed to test the effect of explicit environmental experience on performance on a rule verification task. Participants performed a rule verification task after receiving related experience in the task environment. Results indicated that performance was very similar to that on traditional tasks of this type, in contrast to research which suggested that knowledge of uncertainty should impact performance.
The Development of Cognitive Analysis Methods to Aid Interface Design
Authors: Morphew M. Ephimia , Thordsen Marvin L. , Klein Gary
Published: January 2012

The goal of any human factors implementation is to optimize the interface between technological systems and the humans operating within them. As technological systems continue to grow in capability and complexity, knowledge of how performers operate within these systems has become more deeply embedded within the system and in the head of the operator. In high-technology, high-complexity systems used in military, nuclear power, air traffic control, and aerospace operations, demands imposed by the system interface are predominantly cognitive in nature. Techniques for uncovering the cognitive demands associated with operating these complex systems have become increasingly necessary for understanding, predicting, and optimizing human performance within them. This paper illustrates how the application of Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) and Decision-Centered Design techniques can be used to uncover and aid the cognitive processes involved with operating complex systems, and in turn, enhance human performance in complex systems. The design of a prototype display for Landing Signal Officers aboard U.S. aircraft carriers will illustrate the application of these methods. The utility of these principles, however, can be applied to any domain or environment in which humans must interface with complex technology.
Factors Influencing the Perceived Urgency of Auditory Stimuli
Authors: Irwin Robert D. , Weber Daniel L.
Published: January 2012

The interaction among two spectral and two temporal dimensions that contribute to urgency was investigated by conducting a discrimination experiment. Discrimination performance for each dimension was evaluated when a second dimension (i.e., dimension not being discriminated) was subject to no variation, correlated variation, and uncorrelated variability. For the pair of spectral dimensions and the pair of temporal dimensions, variation on the second dimension produces facilitation in the correlated condition and interference in the uncorrelated condition. No influence occurs for other pairings.

The implications of these results were confirmed in a multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) experiment examining the pitch, perceived repetition rate, and urgency of sounds. The data obtained from the pitch and perceived repetition rate conditions indicate that the spectral dimensions determine the pitch of sounds and the temporal dimensions determine the perceived repetition rate of sounds. The data obtained from the urgency conditions indicate all four dimensions influence urgency and frequency is the most salient.
Whither the Science of Human-Computer Interaction? A Debate Involving Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Bias Randolph G. , Gillan Douglas J.
Published: January 2012

The objectives of the debate are (1) to foster a frank discussion and exchange of ideas on the potential value for the design of user interfaces of HCI-related scientific research - both basic research in perception, cognition, and social psychology and applied research on how people interact with computer systems, (2) to identify ways in which technology transfer (from researchers to designers) and design-need transfer (from designers to researchers) can be enhanced, and (3) to continue our on-going attempt to increase the dialogue between HCI researchers and practitioners (see Bias, 1994; Bias, Gillan, and Tullis, 1993; Gillan and Bias, 1992).
Talking to your Television
Authors: Hartman Mary T. , Barlow Todd , Powell Thomas E.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the testing of a multi-modal user interface for a television. The purpose of the test was to (1) investigate the overall acceptability of voice control for (television) remote control functions; (2) empirically investigate the impact of recognition error rates on acceptability; and (3) gather preference information relative to specific remote control functions. A Wizard of Oz method was used to simulate speech control at four different speech recognition accuracy rates. The four recognition accuracy rates used were 100%, 95%, 90%, and 85%. The results indicate that overall, voice-activated remote controls at all levels of accuracy were preferred over the manual remote control.
Optimized Keyboard Labeling for Visually Guided Keying: Fitts' Law Fits Poorly
Authors: Noel Ron
Published: January 2012

The labeling of the conventional keyboard results in reasonably efficient keying speed for two-handed touch typing. The efficiency comes from successive keystrokes having a high probability of falling to opposite hands with the fastest keying times, and a low probability for falling to the same finger with the slowest keying times. A side effect of the labeling is that the keyboard distance between successive keystrokes is magnified. Modes of keyboard interaction that use visually guided pointing are at a distinct disadvantage. The conventional labeling maximizes movement distance and therefore movement time (reducing keying speeds) according to Fitts' Law. This study creates and uses automated design utilities to maximize the speed of keying for Fitts' devices. Two keyboard layout options are considered, the standard keyboard and a square matrix layout. The optimized designs decrease movement distance by 50 percent over the conventional labeling, but with little change in estimated keying performance.
The Measurement of Sensitivity of Numerical Parameters in Quantification of Local Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Kim Jung-Yong , Jung Myung-Chul
Published: January 2012

In order to find the most sensitive Electromyographic (EMG) parameter in quantification of local muscle fatigue (LMF), the first coefficient of Autoregression Model (ARC), Zero Crossing Rate (ZCR), Mean Power Frequency (MPF), Median Frequency (MF) have been analyzed and compared with each other in this study. Ten healthy male subjects participated in the experiment, and EMG signals were collected from the erector spinae muscle continuously for twenty seconds while subjects were isometrically extending their trunk. Various exertion levels such as 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, and 75% of Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC) were also applied to the subjects. As results, ARC was found to be the most sensitive parameter at the level of 15% to 60% of MVC in terms of both slope and R2 value of regression model. On the other hand, MPF and ARC showed the highest R2 value at 60% and 75% level of MVC although MPF scored the lowest slope value at those levels. Moreover, MPF showed a superior performance to MF at 30% to 75% level of MVC.
Anesthesia Alarms in Surgical Context
Authors: Seagull F. Jacob , Sanderson Penelope M.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes an observational study of anesthetists' response to alarms in the operating room across four different types of procedure (laparoscopic, arthroscopic, cardiac, and intracranial) and three phases of a procedure (induction, maintenance, and emergence). Alarms were classified as requiring a corrective response, being intended, being ignored, or functioning as a reminder. Results revealed quite strong effects of the type of procedure and phase of procedure on the number and rate of alarms. Responses to alarms such as apnea varied strongly across phase, whereas other alarms were confined to specific situations. These results were interpreted in light of their significance for the development of smart alarm systems.
Auditory Icons as Impending Collision System Warning Signals in Commercial Motor Vehicles
Authors: Belz Steven M. , Robinson Gary S. , Casali John G.
Published: January 2012

This simulator-based study examined the use of conventional auditory warnings (tonal, non-verbal sounds) and auditory icons (representational, non-verbal sounds), alone and in combination with a dash-mounted visual display to warn commercial motor vehicle operators of impending front-to-rear and side collision situations. Driver performance was measured in the simulated driving task via brake response time in the front-to-rear collision scenarios and via a count of accident occurrence in the side collision scenarios. For both front-to-rear and side collision scenarios, auditory icons elicited significantly improved driver performance over conventional auditory warnings. Driver performance improved when collision warning information was presented through multiple modalities.
Transitioning from Student to Professional: What's in your Future?
Authors: Shapiro Ronald G. , Andre Anthony D. , Bertus Eugenie , D'Souza Melroy , Gilbert Kristen , Lund Arnold M. , Wiegmann Douglas A.
Published: January 2012

Welcome to the fifth annual Human Factors Society Career panel. This year's panel for the advanced graduate student, or for the individual contemplating a career change focuses on 1) Preparing for a career, 2) Transitioning from being a student to being a professional and 3) Approaching work in a new profession. In the written version of this paper each panelist addressed six questions reflecting on their experiences as job seekers and new employees and, in most cases, as individuals who have been very involved with hiring and or providing extensive career advise to graduate students. At the HFES meeting panel session, the entire panel will focus on answering questions from the audience.
Work Activities and Operational Errors at Selected Vessel Traffic Services
Authors: Hoffman Ronald B. , Riley Bruce R. , Dion Frederic A.
Published: January 2012

This report represents a preliminary step in characterizing work activities and operational errors at Vessel Traffic Services (VTSs) visited June-August 1996: Prince William Sound (PWS), Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB), San Francisco (SF), Puget Sound (PS) and New York (NY). The focus was the watchstander involved in traffic management. Work profiles were characterized by examining video tapes of behavioral events in 15-min sample intervals. The times for logging and retrieving vessel data at PS and NY were two to three times those for the same functions at the other VTSs. For 13 shift and position change events, in which two watchstanders exchanged information about vessel traffic and operations, most occurred in less than 1 min. Seventeen VTS operational errors were detected. Most loss of situation awareness errors occurred at PS and NY, 5 of 7. The average total communication times were correlated with average workload estimates and may provide an index of increasing work activities in the VTS environment.
Omar Human Performance Modeling in a Decision Support Experiment
Authors: Deutsch Stephen , Cramer Nichael
Published: January 2012

Human performance models that simulate the multiple task behaviors of the operators of complex systems are now being developed that can, with appropriate discretion, be used to complement the human players in real-world-like simulation environments. We have developed and used human performance models for an air traffic control simulation that was the basis for a decision support system experiment with human subjects. The experiment is briefly described and the roles played by the human performance models for air traffic controllers and flight crews are discussed. The theory that forms the foundation for the development of the human performance models, and the Operator Model Architecture developed to create the models are presented. Future directions for research based, in part, on the experiment results are outlined.
Integrating a Systems Analysis Approach within Aircraft Maintenance Environments
Authors: Mitta D. A. , Quill L. , Masquelier B. L. , Pohle P. A.
Published: January 2012

The Crew Survivability and Logistics Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/HES) is currently directing a program of research focused on enhancing the task environment for programmed depot maintenance (PDM) technicians. One issue being addressed by the Integrated Technical Information for the Air Logistics Centers (ITI-ALC) program is the appropriate insertion of advanced technologies into the PDM task environment. One challenge facing AFRL/HES was to identify those PDM functions for which the insertion of ITI-ALC technologies would be most beneficial. This paper describes how the application of a traditional human factors-based systems analysis led to the identification of these functions.
Evaluation of Pc-Based Younger Driver Training Program: Use of a Driving Simulator
Authors: Fisher Donald L. , Glaser Robert , Laurie Nancy E. , Pollatsek Alexander , Brock John F.
Published: January 2012

Younger adults are overinvolved in accidents. Model high school driver education programs were developed in the 1970s in an attempt to reduce this overinvolvement. An evaluation of these programs suggested that they were largely ineffective. Recently, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has developed the first PC-based driver education program (Zero Errors Driving or Driver ZED) using real footage of risky scenarios. The hope is that younger drivers seeing these scenarios will learn to recognize risky situations in the real world before they develop. In an attempt to evaluate the Driver ZED program, the performance of 20 younger drivers is being tested on the University of Massachusetts' driving simulator. Ten of these drivers have been trained with ZED (the trained group) and ten have not seen the program (the untrained group). All 20 drivers must navigate a total of 24 scenarios that have been programmed on the driving simulator. Measures of driving performance were developed which can be used to discriminate between risky and nonrisky drivers. A preliminary evaluation of the performance of the trained and untrained subjects indicates that the trained subjects are performing more cautiously than the untrained subjects in some, but not all, scenarios (e.g., the trained subjects brake sooner when approaching a pedestrian crossing).
The Effects of the Visual Metaphor in Determining Icon Efficacy
Authors: Curry Martin B. , McDougall Siné J.P. , de Bruijn Oscar
Published: January 2012

The visual metaphor lies at the heart of modern graphical user interfaces. The benefits ascribed to its use rest largely on the belief that pictorially realistic icons allow users to apply pre-existing world knowledge to the computer domain. Added visual realism, however, has also been associated with increased levels of visual complexity. This, in contrast, has been found to impair user performance. This paper discusses our recent investigations demonstrating that visually realistic icons can be designed without increasing their levels of visual complexity and attempts to provide an experimental basis for design practice.
Developing a Simulated Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Task Based on Cognitive Task Analysis: Task Analysis Results and Preliminary Simulator Performance Data
Authors: Gugerty Leo , DeBoom Daniel , Walker Richard , Burns Jamie
Published: January 2012

Uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used for both military and civilian applications (Gawron, 1998). We conducted a cognitive task analysis of US Air Force UAV operators and used this task analysis to develop a synthetic task (simulator) that represents the key cognitive demands of the UAV task. In this paper, we describe the cognitive task analysis procedure and results, the synthetic UAV task, and preliminary human performance data using the synthetic task. The main function of current Air Force UAVs is reconnaissance. These UAVs are flown by a team of operators who perform piloting, mission planning and reconnaissance functions. The task analysis highlighted the ways that operators must balance sometimes conflicting goals, such as achieving reconnaissance objectives and safeguarding the aircraft. These conflicting goals were implemented in the synthetic task.
Shared Mental Models and Shared Displays: An Empirical Evaluation of Team Performance
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl A. , Endsley Mica R.
Published: January 2012

This study experimentally tested the use of shared mental models and shared displays as a means of enhancing team situation awareness (SA). Teams were tested using a simulation that incorporated features of a distributed team architecture. As hypothesized, the presence of shared displays and shared mental models improved team performance. However, the mechanism whereby the shared displays aided performance was not direct as expected. Teams were slower when given a shared display initially. After the shared display was removed, performance exceeded all other conditions, however. The combination of non-shared displays and no mental model was highly detrimental to performance. Teams who experienced this condition first were unable to ever develop very good performance. Overall, we found that effective team performance could be enhanced by providing teams with sufficient information to build a shared mental model of each other's tasks and goals, either through direct instruction, or through provision of shared displays. It is believed that the shared displays helped to build shared mental models which boosted later task performance.
Difficulties in Usage of a Coffeemaker Predicted on the Basis of Design Models
Authors: Rooden M. J. , Green W. S. , Kanis H.
Published: January 2012

An explorative empirical study was conducted on the possibilities and limitations of anticipating future usage of a consumer product. An existing product (a programmable coffeemaker) was chosen, and two design models were constructed. Practitioners in the field of ergonomics and design predicted operational difficulties by inspecting the design models, and by viewing video-tapes of users' trials carried out with the respective design models. The predictions were compared with actual operational difficulties, observed in usage of the real product. This paper discusses the predictions made for a selection of twenty events observed in usage of the real product. Reasons for not having predicted certain difficulties were investigated. Only in some cases characteristics of the design models appear to play a role in not being able to predict operational difficulties. Some events are not mentioned in the predictions, because the practitioners did not consider these events operational difficulties. Other difficulties were simply overlooked. In the paper recommendations are given on how to improve predictions of operational difficulties during design processes.
Application of the Human Expertise-Based Model for Evaluation of Manual Lifting Tasks in the Hong Kong Worker Population
Authors: Yeung S. , Genaidy A. , Karwowski W. , Huston R. , Beltran J.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this paper is to document how workers from different cultures and with different physical characteristics evaluate physical effort in industrial lifting activities. Three hundred and seventy-nine workers in Hong Kong were asked to evaluate the interactive effort of three lifting variables: weight of load, horizontal distance and height of lift. Logistic regression analysis was used to model the effort as a function of the lifting input variables. The input variables were subsequently classified according to the relationship between the input and output variables. The results showed that human personal knowledge and expertise can indeed be used to evaluate the physical effort required for different lifting tasks. Also, there was no difference in the cognitive reasoning pattern in evaluating the physical effort between the Hong Kong workers and the US workers.
Under what Circumstances do Extrinsic Rewards Decrease Intrinsic Motivation?
Authors: Vredenburgh Alison G. , McLeod Jennifer S. , Nebeker Delbert M.
Published: January 2012

The effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation have long been an area of interest for organizational psychologists and researchers. There are two conflicting views on the effects of extrinsic rewards (e.g., money) on motivation. One position is that for tasks that are already interesting, intrinsic motivation is reduced with extrinsic rewards; the second position is that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are independent and additive, thus when combined, motivation increases. The current study examined how several variables (i.e., perception of control, appropriateness of rewards, and task-liking), along with extrinsic rewards, affect intrinsic motivation. 16 vignettes were developed to assess these factors. A 4-way interaction was found among these variables which raises important implications concerning the choice of organizational rewards. While inappropriate extrinsic rewards in a high-control situation reduced task attractiveness, appropriate extrinsic rewards did not decrease task attractiveness.
Usability Design Considerations in Providing Computer Support for Health Informatics
Authors: Rogers Michelle , Caldwell Barrett , Marmet Gottlieb John , Brennan Patricia Flatley
Published: January 2012

A primary goal of the HeartCare research project is to apply human factors design principles to the usability of an information technology implementation for home use by recovering coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. It attempts to provide patients direct access to the information regarding their recovery, support self-monitoring, motivation and home management of their readjustment after surgery. The WebTV commercial product is used as the implementation instrument.

The WebTV interface has proposed several questions that are not addressed by traditional user interface guidelines. Screen size, font size and navigation are a few areas that require new design approaches reflecting the limitations of TV displays. Nursing advisory panel interviews will also be conducted in order to estimate the amount to time, knowledge and clinical experience needed to respond to the information flow on the network. We will also be documenting the design process to identify system implementation requirements.
Risk Management: Which Management Practices are Best Predictors of Employee Injury Rates?
Authors: Vredenburgh Alison G.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the degree to which six management practices (rewards, communication/feedback, management support, selection, training and participation) frequently included in safety programs, contributed to a safe work environment for hospital employees. Risk managers from 62 participating hospitals provided data concerning management practices and employee injuries. Overall, the management practices reliably predicted hospital employee injury rates. A factor analysis was performed on the management practices scale (items comprising six subscales), resulting in the development of six new factor scales. A multiple regression was performed on these factor scales. Factor 2 (proactive activities) was found to be a reliable predictor of employee injuries. Factor 1 (remedial measures) acted as a suppressor variable. The results indicate that while most of the participating hospitals implemented the reactive practices comprising Factor 1, what differentiated the hospitals with low injury rates was that they also employed proactive measures to prevent accidents.
Driver Opinion of Message Requirements for Advanced Traveler Information Systems
Authors: Lerner Neil , Huey Richard , Harpster Jeff
Published: January 2012

This experiment concerned the types of information travelers feel should be provided in Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) messages. Participants were provided with detailed hypothetical trip scenarios and were required to compose en route ATIS messages for each one. Two types of ATIS messages were included: “general messages,” appropriate for general traffic and limited in length (typical of variable message signing) and “personalized” messages, of unlimited length, tailored to the driver's own trip (representative of in-vehicle route planning and guidance products). Participants also indicated what information they considered to be most important, and indicated what their route choice would be in the given situation. The findings were analyzed in terms of message content (amount, type, and sequence of information items), item importance, and relationship to route choice. The results were found to have a number of implications for the design of ATIS messages.