bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility and Utilization of Aircrew Training Device Advanced Instructional Features
Authors: Polzella Donald J. , Hubbard David C.
Published: January 2012

The utility and utilization of the Advanced Instructional Features (AIFs) capabilities of USAF Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs) was explored by means of a survey of 534 Simulator Instructors from Air Training Command, Military Airlift Command, Strategic Air Command, and Tactical Air Command training sites. The primary purpose of the survey was to provide a database that could be used in defining the requirements for ATD procurements and in developing future ATD training programs. In general, the features that were rated highest in utility and utilization were those used for training management, variation of task difficulty/fidelity, and monitoring student performance. The level of AIF use was affected somewhat by hardware and/or software deficiencies; however, the presumed training value of an AIF was the most important determiner of its use.
Comparison–Based Prediction for Front-End Analysis
Authors: John Paula G. , Klein Gary A. , Taynor Janet
Published: January 2012

Comparison–Based Prediction is a formalized method for using analogical reasoning to generate estimates early in conceptual design and planning. Its feasibility has been demonstrated for structuring expert judgment in a variety of domains, including human factors applications such as predicting the effectiveness of training devices.
Effects of Positive and Negative Image Polarity VDT Screens
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T. , Kothari Nimesh
Published: January 2012

Eight experienced typists worked two full days in a VDT workstation using either a hard copy-screen or split screen data presentation and a light or dark character CRT display. Each of the four conditions was run one half day, using a data entry and a file maintenance task. An Applied Science Laboratory 1998 computer controlled eye monitoring system collected eye scanning and pupil diameter data. Keystrokes per minute and errors per file were monitored by an Apple II computer which was also driving the IBM 3101 VDT (with glare filter). At the beginning and end of each 90 minute work session (separated by a 15 minute rest break or a 45 minute lunch break), the subjects answered 9 ocular and 9 musculoskeletal comfort/discomfort questions displayed on the screen. The results of this study show that the percentages of time, the number of dwells per minute, the dwell times of the subjects looking at different areas of the VDT workstation (screen, document, keyboard, outside), and the typing performance are closely the same for both screen polarities and there is no evidence that screen polarity affects any of these measures in a practically and statistically significant manner. There are also no practically and statistically significant differences for the pupil diameters. However, there appears to be a small but consistent trend which indicates slightly smaller pupil diameters when the dark characters with the light (green) background CRT display was used. The subjective discomfort questionnaire results do not reveal any significant differences in either ocular or musculoskeletal discomfort scores while using either the light or the dark character CRT display. Therefore, one might use either a light or a dark character CRT display and can expect very similar VDT operator eye scanning behavior, typing performance, discomfort scores and pupil diameters as long as a sufficient character-background luminance contrast is provided. If one wants to consider engineering factors such as longer tube life one should specify the use of light characters on a dark background VDT screen (negative polarity).
Effects of Posture on Back Strength and Lifting Capacity
Authors: Gallagher Sean , Bobick Thomas G.
Published: January 2012

The Bureau of Mines performed a pilot study examining the effects of posture on back strength and Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift (MAWL) on six healthy male subjects (M = 32 years ± 4 SD). Six back strength measurements (3 static and 3 dynamic) were made while the subjects were kneeling and standing. In addition, these subjects (who were unaccustomed to lifting in these postures) volunteered to participate in a study of psychophysically determined MAWL in both postures. Results of the back strength tests showed a significantly lower peak torque per body weight output in kneeling versus standing back strength measurements for five out of six test comparisons (p < .05). Subjective estimates of lifting capacity in the kneeling posture were significantly lower than those for the stooped posture (p < .05). The results of tests of back strength and lifting capacity in these two postures provide useful information to consider in determining the physiological and psychophysical stresses imposed by these work postures.
Passing when Visibility Obscured: Can we Predict Accident Involvement from One Single Traffic Maneuver?
Authors: Summala Heikki , Kanninen Kaija , Kanninen Jukka , Rantanen Päivi , Virtanen Anne
Published: January 2012

An experimental study with a seven-year follow-up period suggested that we can predict accident involvement from one single traffic maneuver.
Eye-Voice-Controlled Interface
Authors: Glenn Floyd A. , Iavecchia Helene P. , Ross Lorna V. , Stokes James M. , Weiland William J. , Weiss Daniel , Zaklad Allen L.
Published: January 2012

The Ocular Attention-Sensing Interface System (OASIS) is an innovative human-computer interface which utilizes eye movement and voice commands to communicate messages between the operator and the system. This report initially describes some technical issues relevant to the development of such an interface. The results of preliminary experiments which evaluate alternative eye processing algorithms and feedback techniques are presented. Candidate interface applications are also discussed.
Design of an Improved Infant Viewing Apparatus for Developmental Research
Authors: Urban Kenneth E.
Published: January 2012

It is important to note that many of the types of apparatus we as researchers use to collect data for studies violate human factors principles. It is only logical that we should use human factors knowledge to make our own jobs as easy as possible. To that end, an improved viewing chamber (used in the study of neonatal perception) was designed which eliminated many problems inherent in an older design. The redesign was necessary since researchers in an infant development laboratory often reported physical discomfort after long experimental sessions in a viewing chamber designed with few human factors considerations in mind.
Comparison of Letter Identification by Touch between Blind and Sighted People
Authors: Sundheim Nancy K.
Published: January 2012

The main purpose of this project was to see if there is a difference in performance between blind and sighted subjects when reading raised letters by feel. A secondary purpose was to attempt to find the optimum height while keeping all other variables constant. Six blind and 22 blindfolded subjects were asked to identify raised plastic letters by feel. The following confusion letters were used: E,F,P,R,G,C,O,Q,D,B,U,V,J,I,T. The heights were 1.27, 1.91 and 2.54 cm. The time it took to identify the letter and whether or not the letter was misidentified were recorded. There was not enough evidence to conclude a difference between blind and blindfolded subjects. The sizes 1.91 and 2.54 cm were not significantly different. However, 1.27 cm was harder to identify. There were significant differences between letters. There was no correlation between identification time and accuracy.
Human Performance in Space
Authors: Regal David M.
Published: January 2012

Space provides a unique living and working environment. Humans in space are, in many respects, different creatures than their Earth-bound counterparts (e.g., they float). If we want to design an environment that makes our astronauts as efficient and productive as possible we must design for their capabilities as they exist in space. In this paper I first describe some of the ways in which human capabilities in space are different from those on Earth. I then discuss psychological and social factors that can affect crew performance on long-duration space missions.
Human Factors Standards for Space Habitation
Authors: Tillman Barry
Published: January 2012

Nasa is developing a Man/System Integration Standard. It is to be a single source for human factors engineering standards for the design and development of space habitats. Included in this paper is a discussion of the Anthropometrics, Architecture, Activity Centers, and Health Management sections of the standard. There is a brief description of the general contents of each of these sections and some of the human factors considerations that are unique to the space environment.
Designing a Standardized Test Battery to Assess Dexterity
Authors: Ervin Cay A.
Published: January 2012

Though numerous investigators have studied the impairing effects of protective hand-wear on manual dexterity, no standardized test battery has yet been developed for this purpose. In designing such a battery for the U.S. Air Force, a large number of commercially available tests were screened; candidate tests were then more carefully scrutinized, tried out on subjects and, in some cases, modified as a result of the preliminary trials. Considerations which warrant particular attention in selecting and refining candidate tests from a large field include: ease of administration, scoring procedures, number of practice trials required to control learning effects, types of subjects used, duration and order of test presentation. Further refinement could result in a definitive test battery which would streamline the work of future investigators in this field, and would make possible the comparative analysis of results.
A Comparison of Performance in a Surface Wiring Task Using Laboratory and Plant Subjects
Authors: Bishu Ram R. , Drury Colin G.
Published: January 2012

Industrial surface wiring tasks, in which operators read from an instruction sheet and wire accordingly, involve processing of a considerable amount of information (20–30 bits/stimulus). Two groups of subjects, one inexperienced laboratory trained and the other experienced plant operators, participated in an experiment comprising both single and multimove tasks. Significant group effects were observed on both the tasks. Two main differences were observed between the plant and the laboratory subjects. The plant subjects were slower but more accurate in performing the multimove task. The second difference was that the laborabory subjects were performing similarly on both the tasks, their performance time being a linear function of input information. On the contrary, the plant subjects did not view multimove tasks as an extension of the single move tasks. Their processing rates for the single and multimove tasks were radically different.
Display/Control Integrality and Time-Sharing Performance
Authors: Tsang Pamela S.
Published: January 2012

Time-sharing performance was investigated as a function of the display and response integrality of the time-shared tasks. A manual step-tracking task was time-shared with a Stroop task that could be responded to manually or by speech. A secondary task technique was employed to manipulate the resource allocation between the two tasks. Display integrality was manipulated by: (1) contingent processing of the different dimensions of the Stroop task, and (2) the “objectness” of the dual task display. Response integrality was manipulated by the number of responses required of the dual task and the response modality of the Stroop task. A prevalent resource competition effect between the manual responses of the two tasks were observed, supporting the concept of multiple resources. Results were also in concordance with Kahneman's object file model of attention; demonstrating that irrelevant elements within an object were difficult to ignore. The findings demonstrated the interactive effects of resource competition and task integrality on time-sharing performance.
Cap: A Knowledge Extraction Methodology for Computer Programming
Authors: Koubek R. , Salvendy G. , Dunsmore H.
Published: January 2012

A current bottleneck In the automation of software Is the lack of available, standardized, reliable and valid methods for extracting knowledge from expert programmers. This paper discusses the development of Computer Aided Protocol (CAP) to automatically collect the general and specific cognitive task components of a programmer. Results Indicate that CAP was able to collect lower level goals while protocol analysis collected only 56 percent of these lower level goals. However, protocol analysis was able to obtain significantly more procedural knowledge relating to cognitive states of the subject and more high level goals than CAP (F(1,8)=11.23; p<.004). This work suggests that the integration of the information derived from both protocol and CAP for knowledge extraction would provide more effective information for the development of expert systems than is feasible with either system alone.
Forgetting and Its Effect on Contextual Interference
Authors: Del Rey Patricia , Wughalter Emily , Carnes Martna
Published: January 2012

Contextual interference effects (Battig, 1979) on memory and transfer were investigated using coincidence anticipation tasks in which subjects had to predict the arrival time of a light stimulus. A cognitive-motor interpolated activity was performed by one group of subjects and this condition was compared to blocked and random practice conditions. This study investigated the hypothesis of Lee & Magill (1985) that forgetting the cognitive processing steps in performance of a task would benefit retention. Results are discussed and recommendations for future work suggested.
Determination of the Optimal Location of Ripcord Handles in Parachutes
Authors: Aghazadeh F. , Latif N.T. , Lee K.S. , Waikar A. , Jaraiedi M.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was to determine a location for the ripcord handle in parachutes, most compatible with human capabilities. Seven different locations were tested for the ripcord handle. Maximum voluntary forces were measured with the subjects pulling the ripcord handle using their right, left, and both hands at all seven locations. A comparison of single-handed versus both-handed pulls was made. Results indicated that with the handle located at the left or right thigh the subjects were able to exert more force than any other locations. Also the use of two hands yielded the largest force.
The Effects of Playing Football on Artificial Turf
Authors: Kanter Mark F.
Published: January 2012

A greater number of professional football based injuries have been reported when playing on artificial turf surfaces. This study investigated whether artificial turf or natural grass causes more professional football related injuries. Data were collected from a random sample of videotapes of the 1985 National Football League (NFL) season and by performing a literature search of all severe injuries of the 1984 season. There were no significant differences between the amount of severe injuries occurring on artificial and natural grass surfaces. A major cause of football injuries resulting in severe injuries is that football is inherently a violent sport and those same injuries seem to occur against a few teams.
Scenario Analysis of Solid Waste Collector Injuries
Authors: Schmidt John K. , Kemler A. Vance
Published: January 2012

Currently, government statistics inficate that sanitation workers suffer a high number of job related injuries/illnesses each year. Considering the inability to control hazard exposure in this job in terms of type, severity and duration, this is not too surprising. What is alarming is that the rates have remained stable, indicating that nothing has been done to curtai their numbers. One reason for the difficulty seems to stem from a lack of ergonomie information being yielded by many accident reporting/analysis systems. They ignore the time ordering and factors that led to an incident and focus only on demographic variables, thereby making it a static event. The present effort involved a scenario analysis (Drury & Brill, 1983) of approximately 300 solid waste collector First Reports of Illness of Injury complied over a five year period in Galveston, TX. The accident cases were coded for computer entry and subsequent analysis using the Texas Research & Analysis of Sanitation Hazards (TRASH) system, a devise similar to one developed by Laughery et al (1983) to discern common patterns of accidents. The analysis provided five unique accident scenarios, which account for approximately 80% of the cases. The scenarios were as follows:

1) Poor ergonomie arrangement of the truck crib area led to body strain during loading, mounting and dismounting. 2) Containers failed, exposing collectors to the hazards of their contents. 3) Excessive container weight or awkward load shape led to body strain and unintended contact. 4) Poor footing led to slips, trips, and falls. 5) Lack of personal protective devices led to unwarranted hazard exposure.

Each scenario lent itself well to accident intervention strategy development in terms of equipment redesign and adaptation as well as managerial and public policy formation.
Rapid Decision Making on the Fire Ground
Authors: Klein Gary A. , Calderwood Roberta , Clinton-Cirocco Anne
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the way decisions are made by highly proficient personnel, under conditions of extreme time pressure, and where the consequences of the decisions could affect lives and property. Fire Ground Commanders (FGCs), who are responsible for allocating personnel and resources at the scene of a fire, were studied using a critical incident protocol analysis. The major finding was that in less than 12% of the decision points was there any evidence of simultaneous comparisons and relative evaluation of two or more options. Instead the FGCs most commonly relied on their experience to directly identify the situation as typical and to identify a course of action as appropriate for that prototype. A Recognition Primed Decision (RPD) model is proposed which emphasizes the use of recognition rather than calculation or analysis for rapid decision making.
A Comparison of Three Methods for Controlling Aircraft Systems
Authors: Zenyuh John P. , Reising John M.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of three modes of subsystem control: a voice recognition system with visual feedback presented on the head-up display, a standard multifunction control device with tailored switching logic, and a remotely operated multifunction control with feedback presented on the head-up display. Comparisons were based on measures of interference with a loading task and overall speed and accuracy of the control operations performed. The working hypothesis was that the voice system and head-up multifunction control would manifest substantially lower interference with the primary task, while subsystem control operation times would remain unaffected by control mode. The results indicate that performance with the remote touch panel was significantly poorer than with the voice or standard multifunction control systems.
An Analysis of Finger Pinch Strength in Children
Authors: Irarhan Sheik N.
Published: January 2012

This study examined 3 types of pinch strength and handgrip strength among children between the ages of 5.3 and 7.9 years. Maximal strength of four pulp pinches, the chuck pinch and the lateral pinch were measured as well as maximal handgrip strength. Data analysis showed that the chuck and lateral pinched were the strongest while the pulp pinch with the little finger was the weakest. The pulp pincnes with the index and with the middle finger were stronger than that with the ring finger. Males were slightly stronger than females, the difference being only 13%. The right hand pinches were not significantly stronger than left hand pinches, the difference being only 5%. The major hand of subjects with dominant left hand was only 84% as strong as the major hand of subjects with dominant right hand. Pinch strength increased with age by 50% for a 2.6 year difference.
Predictor Displays for Complex, Dynamic Tasks: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Bennett K. B. , Woods D. D. , Roth E. M. , Haley P. H.
Published: January 2012

The operators of nuclear power plants are asked to perform a task that has proven to be particularly difficult: manual control of feedwater during startup. We have initiated a research and development program to address human factors issues related to this task. An analysis of cognitive aspects of the feedwater control task was used to develop a generic part-task simulator. New displays to enhance manual control performance (including a predictor display) were developed with the simulator. The test capability provided by the simulator allowed precise measurement of performance differences associated with these displays in a mixed-fidelity laboratory experiment. The results suggest that the displays reduced the complexity of the task and resulted in improved operator performance.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Warnings under Prevailing Working Conditions
Authors: Gomer Frank E.
Published: January 2012

Due to a lack of published test results from which to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of warnings under different working conditions, I conducted a field study as an aid in the formulation of expert opinion during the discovery phase of pending product-liability litigation. My intent was to measure the effectiveness of a label which warned of the risk of delayed lung disease. The design of the warning conformed to the existing requirements for the period of interest - the mid 1960s. To replicate the prevailing conditions in the plant at the time that exposure to the hazard occurred, appropriate engineering and administrative controls purposefully were omitted. The warnings failed to cause a significant reduction in the incidence of unsafe behavior.
The Influence of Position, Highlighting, and Imbedding on Warning Effectiveness
Authors: Strawbridge Jill Annette
Published: January 2012

An experiment utilizing 195 subjects investigated the behavoral influence of varying warning position, highlighting and imbeddedness on warning detection, recall and compliance. Subjects were given an unfamiliar consumer product to actually use, and direct behavioral observation and follow-up questions were utilized to measure the percentage of subjects who noticed, read and complied with the warning, plus the amount of information subjects could recall about the specific cause, nature and prevention of the danger. There was a steady decline in the number of subjects who first noticed, then read, and finally followed the warning across all measures. Imbedding information critical to warning compliance within the warning section was the only variable found to influence warning compliance. Imbedding the critical warning information significantly reducing warning compliance as compared to the beginning the warning section with the critical information (i.e., the unimbedded condition). Warnings were shown to be effective (47% when unimbedded). Clearly, however, consumer warnings could be improved further, by utilizing fail safe designs.
Children's Safety Knowledge
Authors: Knowles William B. , Streimer Irving , Donoghue John R.
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to determine the extent to which eight-year old children are aware of the dangers in several situations, including climbing a tree near an electric power line. Thirty-seven third-grade students were shown drawings of children engaged in ten activities. First, the students were asked what the children in the drawings were doing. Then, they were asked how the children in the drawings could get hurt. The results indicate 84% to 100% of the students appropriately identified activities depicted in the drawings, and 86% to 100% of the students identified significant dangers. In the power line situation 97% of the students identified the danger from electric shock.
Organizational and Process Differences Influencing Ergonomic Design
Authors: Evans Susan M. , Chaffin Don B.
Published: January 2012

A study of current design practices was conducted to identify organizational and design process differences influencing the use of ergonomic information in manual workspace design. Significant differences regarding the design information sources and objectives existed between preliminary, or division-level, and detailed, or plant-level, design activities. Ergonomic concerns, e.g., health and safety factors and operator feedback, were most clearly present in plant-level design; unfortunately, plant designers also had the least flexibility, in terms of design parameters to vary, and dollars to spend, to retrofit inadequate designs. Results indicate specific factors, (such as designer temporal and geographic proximity to the design implementation), to consider during the development of an effective industrial ergonomics training program.
Human Factors Engineering impact on System Workload and Manning Levels
Authors: Malone Thomas B. , Kirkpatrick Mark , Kopp Walter H.
Published: January 2012

A major thrust of the Army's MANPRINT methodology is to develop techniques to assess workloads and to reduce system manning. This paper reports on a research project conducted with the intent of quantifying the impact that application of human factors engineering technology has on the workload and manning levels of large, complex systems. The aircraft operational management system of a modern CV aircraft carrier was used as a test bed. A typical scenario was developed which included task sequences for each of 35 shipboard operators during a launch/recovery cycle involving 25 aircraft. Workloads were measured for operations as currently performed aboard aircraft carriers and compared to the same conditions except for the addition of automated status boards, which were intended to reduce the information processing load on the operators. The result of introducing the automated status board technology was the reduction of manning levels, time to perform operational sequences, and the number of overloaded operators.
Proximity Grouping and Information Processing of Visual Displays
Authors: Boles David B. , Bagnara Sebastiano
Published: January 2012

The Gestalt principle of proximity grouping was investigated as a possible source of design principles for visual displays. The results from four letter matching tasks indicate that the effect of grouping depended on the task. Specifically, rhyme matches showed an effect of grouping which was twice as large as that for physical, name, or category matches. It may be that tasks requiring the phonetic coding of information will benefit most from proximity grouping, although tasks requiring visual, visual associative, or categorical coding may also benefit to a lesser degree.
A Design Checklist for Control and Prediction of Cumulative Trauma Disorder in Intensive Manual Jobs
Authors: Lifshitz Yair , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this work was to improve productivity and prevent cumulative trauma disorders in manual work. Towards this end a design checklist was developed. The checklist contains twenty different questions with respect to physical factors that affect worker performance and stress—e.g., contact with sharp edges, vibration, size, and material of tool's handle etc. A score is given to indicate how well the factors on the list have been addressed. To provide immediate response to the user, the checklist was programmed and implemented on a personal computer (IBM PC). A pilot study was performed on seven jobs at one factory, using the computerized checklist. The analysis scores were correlated with the incidence rates of cumulative trauma disorders per 200,000 work hours in 1982 (r= −0.8678). These results support the feasibility of the use of a computerized checklist in job design. Future development of this system is discussed.
Anthropometric Data for a Piomechanical Model of the Hand
Authors: Buchholz Bryan
Published: January 2012

Anthropometric data has been collected for the development of a biomechanical model of the hand. This model will be used to determine the load distribution on the surface of the hand and the reaction moments required at each joint in response to contact with another object. This model will be applied to the design of hand tools and work stations, so that they may be used with the least possible mechanical stresses. The model is developed on a kinematic basis, using a system composed of joints and segments. These segments do not correspond to the physiological skeletal system, but provides a mathematical basis for hand movement and a frame to hold the skin and other soft tissues in place. This study collected data on segment length between joint centers, using radiographic techniques and the method of Peuleaux. This data has been correlated with actual bone lengths and total digit length. Anthropometric data on the depth of the soft tissues of the hand will also be required to facilitate the kinematics of hand grip posture and other hand-object contact. A knowledge of the material properties of soft tissue will be necessary to develop the mechanics required to determine the load distribution on the hand.
Manprint (Manpower and Personnel Integration)
Authors: Elton Robert M.
Published: January 2012

The MANPRINT (Manpower and Personnel Integration) Program is a comprehensive program designed to enhance human performance and reliability during weapon system development with the overall goal – of optimizing total system performance. Total system performance is a function of equipment performance and human performance as they are affected under varying environmental conditions which includes physical, social and operational conditions. The challenge the U.S. Army has today is to ensure these issues are addressed early in and continuously throughout the design process.
Productivity and Pms
Authors: Riley Michael W. , Cochran David J.
Published: January 2012

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) influences the productivity of the female worker. The symptoms and effects of PMS are numerous, varying in intensity and differing by individual. This paper presents a brief review of current PMS literature and the results of a written questionnaire. Forty females were surveyed. Sixty-five percent of the respondents reported that their physical performance decreased fifty-four percent of the time due to PMS. In addition, respondents reported that their level of concentration during mental work decreased fifty-four percent of the time because of PMS.
Integration of the Cognitive and Physical Aspects of the Human-Machine Interface
Authors: Chignell M.H. , Hancock P.A.
Published: January 2012

Current approaches to human-machine interface design are reflective of the traditional dualistic perspective that separates the physical from cognitive characteristics of human functioning. With the development of flexible computing machines and new display technologies, this dualistic perspective can be replaced with one where cognitive and physical aspects of the interface are integrated through the unification of isomorphic structures. This paper reviews the nature of physical and cognitive interfaces and shows how they may be integrated in the design of human-machine systems in order to improve the compatibility between operator and machine.
Issues in Embedded Training Research for Naval Combat Systems
Authors: McDonald L.B. , Reynolds R.E.
Published: January 2012

Efforts are underway to determine which shore-based training system instructional support features (i.e., performance measurement, automated intelligent platform control, specialized feedback displays, missing team member simulation) are effective for embedded operator and team training. Integral to this work is an attempt to identify training technologies which need to be developed in support of embedded training.
Improving Visual Performance through Volitional Focus Control
Authors: Roscoe Stanley N. , Couchman Donald H.
Published: January 2012

Nine undergraduates at New Mexico State University were trained to control eye accommodation volitionally and, by exercising that acquired ability, to improve their visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and flash target resolution by varying amounts. Performance improvements were elicited by each of two methods, one relatively complex and the other relatively simple, but larger gains were attained in far less time with the simpler approach in which training is mainly self administered.
Obstacles to Meeting Army National Guard Aviator Training Requirements
Authors: Szabo Sandra M. , Ruffner John W. , Cross Kenneth D. , Sanders Michael G.
Published: January 2012

Army National Guard (ARNG) aviators must meet the same aviation training requirements as active Army aviators. During the past 10 years, the training requirements have increased significantly; yet, the amount of time allocated for ARNG aviators to meet the requirements has remained relatively constant. To determine if the aviators need additional allocated training time, a questionnaire survey was conducted. One objective of the survey was to identify the types of obstacles that interfere with the aviators' ability to meet the training requirements. The results indicate that five factors pose major problems to meeting the aviators' continuation training requirements. The factors are an Insufficient Number of Flight Hours, Unavailability of Instructor Pilots, Unavailability of Training Support Areas, Unavailability of Support Equipment, and an Insufficient Amount of Personal Time. The identification of time related obstacles supports the aviators' perceptions that additional training time is needed; however, the identification of obstacles that are not time related suggests that remedial actions, in addition to an increase in training time, can be taken.
Assessment of Major Changes in User Computer Interfaces in 1990 to 2000
Authors: Meyer Orville R.
Published: January 2012

A study was performed at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory to identify, categorize, and assess future, major changes in reactor control rooms. A panel of control room experts, working through a modified Delphi conference, identified 184 specific concepts for change in control rooms within the next decade. The panel also assessed the relative likelihood of adoption of each of the concepts. Some of the significant, new probable types of human-computer interfaces are presented.
HFS Job Survey: What are we doing?
Authors: Curran Patrick S. , Sperling Barbra Bied , Sanders Mark S.
Published: January 2012

In the summer of 1985 a survey was sent to a sample of 997 members of the Human Factors Society. Respondents indicated how important each of 63 different activities was in their work. Comparisons are made between masters and doctorates, those with degrees in engineering and those with degrees in psychology, and among those working in various types of organizations.
The Relationship between Workload and Training: An Introduction
Authors: Hart Sandra G.
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews the relationships among workload, performance, and training. It is intended to serve as an introduction for the remaining papers in this symposium. Its goal is to introduce the concepts of workload and training and to suggest how they may be related. It suggests some of the practical and theoretical benefits to be derived from their joint consideration: training effectiveness can be improved by monitoring trainee workload and the reliability of workload predictions and measures can be improved by identifying and controlling the training levels of experimental subjects.
Interaction between Workload and Training: Converging Evidence from Psychophysiology and Performance Measurement
Authors: Kramer Arthur F.
Published: January 2012

Traditionally, the domains of mental workload and training have been studied in isolation even though they share many common characteristics. In the present paper we integrate findings from psychophysiological and performance-based studies which address both of these issues. By augmenting traditional indices of skill acquisition such as RMS error scores, reaction times and accuracy measures with psychophysiological measures such as the event-related brain potential we will show that workload effects can be assessed throughout the training process. More specifically, we argue that the development of skill and the effects of workload on the human operator can be modelled within the framework of resource theories of attentional allocation. We also describe how converging evidence from psychophysiological and behavioral studies can be used to examine subtle changes in operator strategies during training.
Testing and Evaluation Symposium: Tools, Techniques and Facilities
Authors: Ominsky Mark , Muckler Fredrick A. , Drury Colin G. , Frazier Michael L. , Berson Barry L. , Smootz Edwin R. , Jones D. Todd
Published: January 2012

This symposium is the first sponsored by the newly formed Test and Evaluation Technical Group. The scope of interest was defined by a broad definition statement that included “any formally scheduled tests of personnel performance utilizing mockups, developmental and prototype equipment and software during system development” or follow-up testing. The objective of this Symposium is to draw together people from various employment situations, who are performing testing and evaluation on a daily basis, to discuss the tools, techniques and facilities associated with doing that part of their job. The purpose is to focus on the process of doing the job, rather than on the specific results of testing.
Integrating Human Factors in the Operational Test and Evaluation Process
Authors: Frazier Michael L. , Taylor Bruce H.
Published: January 2012

Despite widespread policy support and increasingly sophisticated measurement tools, the evaluation of human factors issues within operational test and evaluation (OT&E) continues to lag behind the evaluation of other system elements. This situation can be traced, in part, to difficulties in integrating human factors findings with system performance measures. The present paper discusses one approach to this problem that is being implemented in the OT&E of the Consolidated Space Operations Center (CSOC).
Aging and the Perception of Driving Risk and Ability
Authors: Matthews Michael L.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine how the perceived risk in certain driving situations and the perceived competence to handle such situations varies with age. Subjects in 3 age categories (18–25), (35–50), (65–75) made risk estimates for themselves and their peers for a variety of driving situations presented on videotape. In addition, they estimated confidence in their ability to handle such situations. In general, it was found that both younger and older drivers tended to underestimate the risk and overestimate their ability to handle the risk when compared with the intermediate age group. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of risk taking behavior on the roads.
The Use of Technology in the Home by Older Adults
Authors: Clark M. Cherie
Published: January 2012

The use of technologies in the home by older adults was examined. Data were obtained as part of two studies examining ADL performance in the elderly. Findings are presented which give a picture of technologies that older persons use and related variables. These data give an indication of where appropriately designed technology for the elderly might be applied.
A Prediction Model for Consumer Behavior regarding Product Safety
Authors: Purswell Jerry L. , Schlegel Robert E. , Kejriwal Sashi K.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was the development of a model to predict whether a consumer would use a product safely as a function of sixteen different individual variables. Subjects were presented with four consumer products to use in an experimental setting where the true purpose of the study was concealed. Discriminant analysis was used to develop a prediction model to classify subjects into categories of safe or unsafe behavior. Prediction accuracy ranged from 68–86 percent for different types of behavior. The research illustrated which variables are important in determining whether a product will be used safely and has implications for product design, warnings, instructions for use and training.
Using Plain English in Designing the User Interface
Authors: Dumas Joseph S. , Redish Janice
Published: January 2012

As a human factors specialist, the language you use in the design of the user interface to software is critical to putting the user in control, helping them to get their work done, and supporting them when they err. The language you use should be clear, direct, and straightforward, that is, in plain English. Your role in the software development process allows you to apply the principles of plain English to the development of effective software interfaces. We describe a set of guidelines you can use to apply these principles to your designs.
Early Consideration of Human Factors in Military System Design
Authors: Criswell Eleanor L.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this symposium is to present the status and future directions of programs aimed at consideration of human factors early in military system design. Military initiatives of this nature are not new, but in the past they have not become integral parts of the military system acquisition process. Recent programs in each service, however, reflect more serious and in-depth attempts to use human factors data to influence and evaluate system design than has been the case in the past. The Army now requires MANPRINT analyses, Navy HARDMAN analyses are mandated, and the Air Force is now pilot testing its own program called MPTIS. This symposium consists of introductory remarks by Dr. Joseph Peters of Science Applications International Corporation, and papers from LTC William 0. Blackwood, HQ Department of the Army, CDR George S. Council, Jr., Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and COL AI Grieshaber, HQ, U. S. Air Force.

Dr. Peters' paper, “Human Factors Issues in Military System Design,” defines “human factors” as a combination of human factors engineering, biomedical engineering, manpower/personnel, and training elements. The paper presents three measures of success of human factors programs early in system acquisition: long-lasting policy, committed management, and availability of scientific technology for program Implementation and evaluation.

LTC Blackwood's paper discusses the importance the Army places on its MANPRINT program. MANPRINT program history, status, and possible program evolution are addressed.

CDR Council's paper addresses the potential for the addition of human factors to the Navy HARDMAN program which addresses manpower, personnel, and training. CDR Council suggests that human factors advocates present a human factors program which is clearly defined and limited in scope to render it easily appreciated by Navy management, and that advocates can benefit from lessons learned during the institutionalization of HARDMAN.

COL Grieshaber's paper “MPT in the Air Force” describes a pilot MPT (manpower, personnel, training) program at Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright Patterson AFB. This program will analyze aircraft system designs for their MPT requirements, suggest design changes where requirements exceed Air Force availabilities, and assess design changes for their MPT impact.
An Evaluation of the IPI-Inspection Test
Authors: Wang Mao-Jiun J. , Drury Colin G. , Raulin Michael L.
Published: January 2012

The Color Video Comparator (CVC), a semiautomated inspection device was used to assess the validity of a commercially available selection test for inspectors published by Industrial Psychology, Inc. (IPI). The IPI battery included five aptitude subtests (Blocks, Dimensions, Tools, Precision, and Parts). Factor analysis was performed to determine the underlying factor patterns measured by the IPI-inspection tests. Also, Pearson correlations were performed to evaluate the strength of associations between IPI-inspection tests scores and different inspection performance measures. The results, in general, suggested that the IPI-inspection tests which measure multiple attributes demonstrate a predictive ability for many performance measures of the CVC inspection task.
Human Factors Test and Evaluation of the Peacekeeper (MX) ICBM
Authors: Yohpe Martin E. , Schmidt Susan A.
Published: January 2012

Test and evaluation is an essential part of any Human Factors involvement in system development. The role and methods of Human Factors in the Peacekeeper Weapon System Test Program are discussed. Factors contributing to the success of this effort are presented. These factors are applicable to any such program.
The Basic Attributes Tests (BAT) System: A Preliminary Evaluation of Three Cognitive Subtasks
Authors: Carretta Thomas R.
Published: January 2012

In 1955, the U.S Air Force discontinued apparatus-based testing as a component of its aircrew selection and classification system due to administrative problems. Since then, the Air Force has relied on paper and pencil test batteries such as the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test to select pilot and navigator trainees. Unfortunately, the aircrew selection system without apparatus testing failed to produce acceptible attrition rates in light of escalating training costs. As a result, a computer based testing system, the Basic Attributes Tests (BAT) system, was developed to assess psychomotor skills as well as a variety of psychological and cognitive attributes that are believed to be related to flight training performance. This paper evaluated three subtests used to assess cognitive abilities: Perceptual Speed (information input efficiency), Decision Making Speed (low level cognitive and high level sensory-perceptual motor involvement) and Item Recognition (short-term memory storage, search and comparison operations). Each of the subtests was evaluated in terms of its internal consistency and ability to predict flight training performance. An integrated model, based on results from the three cognitive subtests, was evaluated against flight training performance criteria.
A Brief Overview of Speech Synthesis and Recognition Technologies
Authors: Pisoni David B.
Published: January 2012

An overview of several aspects of speech synthesis and recognition technologies is provided as background for subsequent speakers in this session. Specifically, we discuss speech synthesis by rule using automatic text-to-speech conversion and speaker-dependent isolated word recognition. Both of these speech I/O technologies have been developed sufficiently to the point where commercial products are now available for a number of applications. Some of the limitations of these devices are described and suggestions for future research in both synthesis and recognition are outlined.
Assessment of an Interactive Environment for Developing Human-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Hix Deborah
Published: January 2012

The goal of this research was to empirically evaluate the usefulness of an interactive environment for developing human-computer interfaces. In particular, it focused on a set of interactive tools, called the Author's Interactive Dialogue Environment (AIDE), for human-computer interface implementation. AIDE is used by an interface design specialist, called a dialogue author, to implement an interface by directly manipulating and defining its objects, rather than by the traditional method of writing source code. In a controlled experiment, a group of dialogue author subjects used AIDE 1.0 to implement a predefined interface, and a group of application programmer subjects implemented the identical interface using programming code. Dialogue author subjects performed the task more than three times faster than the application programmer subjects. This study empirically supports, possibly for the first time, the long-standing claim that interactive tools for interface development can improve productivity and reduce frustration in developing interfaces over traditional programming techniques for interface development.