bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brunswik'S Lens Model in Human Factors Research: Modern Applications of a Classic Theory
Authors: Mosier Kathleen L. , Kirlik Alex
Published: January 2012

As we develop new ways of looking at decision making in applied contexts, such as those outlined in naturalistic decision models, it is easy to assume that these new models should be used in place of ‘old’ theories in investigations of human decision making – and in many cases it may be appropriate to do so. In substituting the new for the old, however, it is important not to lose sight of the potential contributions that theoretically sound and empirically tested models can make to our understanding of judgment and decision making in modern environments. The purpose of this panel is to highlight a classic theoretical and methodological approach to the judgment process, Egon Brunswik's probabilistic functionalism and associated Lens Model framework (e.g., 1943; 1956; Hammond & Stewart, 2001), to present its basic tenets, and to discuss its viability and applicability in the context of modern human factors investigations (Kirlik, 2001). In particular, defining facets of Brunswikian theory and the Lens Model make this approach ideal for explorations of human judgment in high-technology environments.
An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Computer Network Attacker Cognition
Authors: Stanard Terry , Lewis W. Robert , Cox Donald A. , Malek David A. , Klein John , Matz Randy
Published: January 2012

Many computer network defenders do not know how malicious hackers think and act during a network (McCloskey & Chrenka, 2001). To study attacker cognition, experienced hackers were recruited to attack a Windows 2000 network and pursue three goals: Deface the website, steal (faux) credit card numbers, and read email. Participants wrote a report of what they did, and a post-attack cognitive task analysis interview was conducted. Logs were also captured on the network including firewall, snort IDS, and Microsoft applications (IIS, SQL, Exchange). An Attacker Cognition Model based on data collected from five participants was created. The model has two basic properties: It describes the cognitive steps followed by an attacker, and describes several passes through these steps that the attacker follows as s/he penetrates several layers deep into a network. Future research using smaller sample sizes and multiple studies using the same participants is encouraged.
Supporting Synchronous Distributed Communication and Coordination Through Multimodal Information Exchange
Authors: Ho Chih-Yuan , Sarter Nadine B.
Published: January 2012

Increasingly, operators in complex event-driven domains, such as the military, need to coordinate their goals and activities with numerous co-located and distributed human and machine agents. One promising way to support this requirement is the introduction of multimodal interfaces that afford functions such as increased bandwidth, complementarity, redundancy, and substitution. To inform the design of a robust multimodal system, the present study explored natural tendencies for, and the role of context in, modality usage in the context of simulated battlefield operations. Three groups of three ROTC cadets/officers each completed a set of 30-minute scenarios. The within-subject variables included participant location, the availability of radio communication, the amount of coordination required by the scenario, and the tempo of operations. Our findings show that participants were highly selective in their use of multiple modalities. Multimodal interaction was observed primarily in the context of spatial tasks and for the purpose of supporting grounding, complementarity, and disambiguation. Joint modality usage patterns evolved over time within groups and varied as a function of factors such as scenario and interface management demands. The findings from this study provide important guidance for the design of multimodal combined HCI and CSCW interfaces and show that multimodal information exchange is a highly effective means of coordination.
Models of Human Expertise as Blueprints for Cognitive Engineering: Applications to Landmine Detection
Authors: Staszewski James J.
Published: January 2012

Landmines pose a major military threat as well as a serious humanitarian problem. The difficulty of detecting buried landmines, especially modern landmines with minimal metallic content, contributes heavily to the problem. The two projects described here took a cognitive engineering approach to improve detection capability via development and implementation of scientifically principled operator training. Each analyzed and modeled the landmine detection skills of expert users of two different handheld detection systems, the PSS-12, the U.S. Army standard equipment, and the PSS-141, an advanced technology system under development at the time of this work. Model-based training programs were developed and tested. Both proved highly effective for developing detection skills, producing the greatest increases in detection rates against the most challenging targets. The US Army has adopted and now uses both programs. Results demonstrate the practical utility of information-processing models of expertise for designing instruction and developing important human skills.
Cognitive Impact Metrics: Applying Macrocognition during the Design of Complex Cognitive Systems
Authors: Moon Brian M. , Wei Stephanie , Cox Donald A.
Published: January 2012

Macrocognition is an emerging theoretical and methodological framework for describing cognitive work as it naturally occurs (Klein, Ross et al., 2003). It can form the basis for the design of complex cognitive systems that augment, rather than degrade, proficient performance. This paper presents a method for using macrocognition during design to anticipate how a complex cognitive system will impact cognition. We have developed a suite of metrics we call “Cognitive Impact Metrics” (CIM). Because they highlight the necessary features of and potential barriers to proficient cognitive performance, these metrics and their associated measures provide us with a framework in which we can generate predictions about where and how our system will enhance or hinder our performance. Application of CIM may be particularly useful in the design of systems where many potential applications must be culled down to a more manageable set of candidates.
Organizational Structure, Information Load, and Communication in Navy Teams
Authors: Baker Keith , Entin Elliot E. , See Katrina , Gildea Kevin , Baker Bonnie , Downes-Martin Stephen , Cecchetti Jon
Published: January 2012

Models developed to study and evaluate innovative organizational structures predict organizations with an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) coordinator will be superior in performance to organizations without such a coordinator, especially when information load is high. We examined the effect of the presence or absence of an ISR coordinator and information load on mission performance employing a moderate fidelity man-in-the-loop simulation. Counter to the modeling predictions the organization with an ISR coordinator was not superior in performance to an organization without an ISR coordinator. However, analysis of the Email/Intel message traffic showed organizations with an ISR coordinator to be superior in situation assessment and awareness. When these latter results are coupled with results showing a steep and significant improvement curve between trials 1 and 2 for the organization with an ISR coordinator, we surmise that if teams are given more practice and familiarization with novel organizations, empirical results will confirm the model predictions.
Managing Metadata in Collaborative Command and Control Analysis
Authors: Albinsson Pär-Anders , Morin Magnus , Thorstensson Mirko
Published: January 2012

When analyzing field trials to examine command and control, there is a great need for means of presenting, coordinating, exploring and analyzing large amounts of data captured from multiple sources. The products of this analysis include insights, reflections, questions, and hypotheses. From an epistemological point of view, it is crucial to maintain a solid chain of reasoning from the data captured in the field, through the presentation formats used in the analysis process, and to the results of the analysis delivered to the clients. To this end, we present the Metadata Workbench, which manages metadata in command and control analysis. This analysis tool embeds metadata in contextual information, coordinates them in time, and links them to the supporting data. Using the tool, multiple analysts, experts, and researchers can exchange comments on both data and metadata in a collaborative and explorative investigation of a complex scenario. The tool is implemented as a component in the Mind framework and is demonstrated using data from distributed tactical operations.
Collaborative Tools and Shared Mental Models
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl , Schneider Mike , Graham John , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: January 2012

This paper reports on an experiment conducted to measure collaboration tool usage and shared mental models in Army Command and Control. Several teams of soldiers participated in a two-week simulation experiment. During the simulation, the run was stopped and participants completed a 5-minuted on-line questionnaire in which they were asked to rate their workload and other teammates workload as well as provide information on the collaboration tools used during the last hour of the exercise. Shared mental models was measured using congruency between each person's rating of their own workload and their teammates perception of their workload. Overall, using the same collaboration tool, irrespective of the tool type, to communicate between team members lead to higher shared mental models.
Experimentation for Envisioned Worlds: Understanding the Limitations of the Military after Action Review as Experimental Data
Authors: Obradovich Jodi Heintz , Graham John , Schneider Mike , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Harder Robert
Published: January 2012

The research reported here was conducted to explore the efficacy of using the military After Action Review (AAR) process as a data collection methodology. During a weeklong U.S. Army experiment, we investigated, by means of a periodically administered questionnaire and an end-of-day log, the interactions participants reported having with other team members. When comparing the results of these tools, we found strong tendencies of the primacy and recency effects. These findings are important to researchers working in military command and control experimentation settings where the AAR is a commonly used data collection mechanism. This paper identifies data collection practices that can help avoid potential difficulties when using end-of-day retrospective reports as an experimental methodology.
Impact of Hidden Profiles on Distributed Cognition in Spatially Distributed Decision-Making Teams
Authors: Jefferson Tyrone , Ferzandi Lori , McNeese Michael
Published: January 2012

This study continues research from McNeese (2000) and was designed to examine the effects of hidden knowledge profiles on perceptually anchored team cognition and knowledge transfer in distributed teams. Previous work showed that individuals in perceptually anchored distributed teams were able to quickly access applicable knowledge, then transfer that knowledge to answer similarly situated problems. Perceptual anchors provide the basis for formulating team mental models, which can be used to assess situations and resolve differences in individual, unique knowledge. In the present experiment, it was again hypothesized that individuals working in perceptually anchored distributed teams would be better able to transfer knowledge, than teams without anchors. It was also hypothesized that perceptually anchored distributed teams would be better able to share uniquely held information, make better decisions, identify information discrepancies, and overcome the presence of hidden knowledge profiles better than non-perceptually anchored teams. Preliminary findings are discussed.
The Effectiveness of Tactile Cues in Cellular Phones
Authors: Mendat Christina C. , Bell Jennifer L. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

As cellular phones get smaller, there has been a concurrent reduction in the size of the control interface. Two studies examined whether tactile cues might facilitate dialing on small cellular phone keypads. The first study, a questionnaire administered to 289 individuals, suggested that people believe that tactile cues can benefit users of cellular phones. The second study, an experiment comparing dialing performance with vision precluded between two keypad-types (textured keys and smooth-keys), showed that performance in the former condition was better than that latter. Implications for cellular phone keypad designs are offered.
Designing Systems for the Creation and Evaluation of Dynamic Peripheral Soundscapes: A Usability Study
Authors: Mauney Bradley S. , Walker Bruce N.
Published: January 2012

Sonifications have proven useful as stand-alone displays and in bimodal audio-visual displays. Audio is powerful in a peripheral display due to its unobtrusive and omnidirectional nature. This study examined the creation and usability of peripheral auditory displays or ‘soundscapes' composed of ecological sounds. A system was created for dynamically generating soundscapes from a data source according to a threshold-based model. In this model, a percentage change in the data is mapped to an ecological sound that is played whenever that threshold has been met or exceeded. The system allows for the creation of soundscapes of arbitrary complexity, providing mechanisms for fading, relative gain, and random timing. With the system, a reference soundscape was developed for sonifying the stock market. This display was then presented to stock trader test participants as part of a usability evaluation.
Comparison of Mobile Text Entry Methods
Authors: Cerney Melinda M. , Mila Brian D. , Hill Lewis C.
Published: January 2012

In this preliminary study, we tested a small group of users on their ability to perform common text input tasks using both standard and unfamiliar input devices: the standard QWERTY keyboard, an onscreen QWERTY keyboard on a Pocket PC, a letter recognition system on a Pocket PC, and a T9 text-input system on a cellular phone. We examined user performance, accuracy, and overall preference for the four input methods, and compared these results to the values predicted by Fitts' Law. Our findings suggest that the cognitive effort loads for each device had a strong impact on the amount of time required by users to input text, and that Fitts' Law methods do not accurately account for or predict values including cognitive load or skill transfer.
Gain and Angle of Approach Effects on Cursor-Positioning Time with a Mouse in Consideration of Fitts' Law
Authors: Thompson Shelby , Slocum Jeremy , Bohan Michael
Published: January 2012

Over the past decade, indirect pointing with a mouse has become a fundamental part of the GUI environment. In that regard research has used Fitts' law to measure speed and accuracy of the human-motor system when using input devices. Other studies have found that angle of approach also affects performance. However, most such analyses have not considered control-display gain as a factor. The present study found that gain interacted with angle of approach, amplitude, and target size on movement time. Fitts' law remained an effective predictor of movement time across all conditions; however, less variance was accounted for in the higher control-display gain conditions. Based on these results, recommendations are given for GUI design.
A Comparison of Internet Connection Troubleshooting Strategies by Experts and Novices
Authors: Miyamoto Masaru , Nakatani Momoko , Watanabe Masahiro , Yonemura Shunichi , Ogawa Katsuhiko
Published: January 2012

This paper compares the strategies used by experts and novices in troubleshooting complex systems. As an example, we consider the case of establishing an Internet connection. The complexity of modern systems, such as the Internet, makes troubleshooting a very difficult task. Because many users experiencing trouble turn to the call-center, traffic loads are always heavy. This loads cost the company dearly to maintain adequate user support quality. We need to incorporate effective approaches to tackling the problems into self-service systems. Moreover, such knowledge is useful for FAQ design and creating response methods for call-center agents that can well support the troubleshooting process. Both are expected to greatly reduce call-center loads. To elucidate effective troubleshooting techniques, we compare the troubleshooting strategies of novices to those of experts. As a result, we showed that given an initial goal constraint, the experts try to eliminate modules unambiguously and so find the fault while novices remain stuck with their first guess.
Emergency Automated Response System (EARS)
Authors: Phillips Joshua , Kogekar Sachin , Adams Julie A.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a comparison of two versions of an Emergency Automated Response System (EARS), a fully manual version and a partially automated version. User evaluations involving both versions of the system were conducted using a low workload task and a high workload task. The results indicate that the automation employed by the partially automated system decreased overall response time and perceived workload for both tasks, but accuracy decreased and response times increased from low workload to high workload with both versions.
Enhancing RoboFlag Users' Situational Awareness
Authors: Shankar Sangeeta , Jin Yi , Adams Julie A. , Bodenheimer Bobby
Published: January 2012

The RoboFlag system was designed as a testbed to study distributed control of multiple vehicle teams with humans in the loop. This work analyzed the RoboFlag version 2.0 interface to identify existing issues with the users' Situational Awareness (SA). The existing interface for RoboFlag was modified to create two new interfaces. The first interface focused on improved usability, while the second focused on improved Situation Awareness. A user evaluation was conducted to determine if the new interfaces improved the users' SA over the original interface. Twenty-four participants completed the evaluation. This paper reports the design of the task environment, the evaluation method, and the statistical analysis. The results indicate that both new interfaces provide improved SA over the RoboFlag version 2.0 interface.
The Effect of Heterogeneous Displays, Awareness Tools and Audio-Chat Communication on Team Collaboration
Authors: Kesavan-Namboothiri Deepak M. , Kirmani Shazeeye , Bisantz Ann M.
Published: January 2012

Advances in technology and connectivity have led to the development of sophisticated portable devices incorporating functional versatility and reduced sizes. Such devices add another level of complexity in systems which are designed to support communication and collaborative work. This study researched potential problems that arise when map-reading tasks were assigned to teams of two using various modalities of communication coupled with different display sizes and interface tools. Ninety-six participants, 6 pairs in 8 conditions, performed the experiment. Results indicate that large-large screen participants were more accurate than large-small screen size and took less time than small-small screen size in the audio condition. Chat participants took longer than audio participants in the large-small screen condition. The highlighter was most frequently used in the large-large screen condition and the pointer was most frequently used in the large-small screen condition.
Efficiency Assessment of An E-Commerce Data Management Tool Using Learning Curves
Authors: Rivera Diego , Eng P.
Published: January 2012

Learning curves for e-commerce data management tasks were computed to assess UI efficiency. Participants were asked to update product information using an e-commerce data management tool. Mean time on task over 20 trials of the same task was fit using a power function. Learning curves of 92.7% to 97.6% were found for two product update tasks. The results obtained indicate that making efficiency judgments based on the first few trials will produce higher learning coefficients that actually exist, and suggest that practitioners should not assume that time on task will always decrease significantly with increased practice. It also shows how properties of learning curves can help in the analysis of UI efficiency.
Static versus Dynamic Presentation of Procedural Instruction: Investigating the Efficacy of Video-based Delivery
Authors: Carroll Lee , Wiebe Eric N.
Published: January 2012

In this study, a comparison of static (illustration and text annotation) and dynamic (video with audio annotation) delivery of procedural instructions on a highly spatial task is made. Two groups completed three origami paper-folding tasks, after which they answered a preferences questionnaire and then were asked to re-do the first origami task from memory. The results indicated a general advantage for the dynamic modality in both time for task completion and accuracy. However, complexity of the third origami task and video resolution mitigated the effectiveness of the dynamic modality. No significant difference was seen in instructional modality preference or in memory retention for the task.
The Cognitive and Affective Consequences of Nonlinear Forms of Information Acquisition
Authors: Harvey Craig M. , Mathews Robert C. , Wu H. Denis , Houston Andrea , Lane Sean M. , Hines Robert
Published: January 2012

Interruptions are a part of everyday life whether in the office, on the Internet, or via the phone. As a result, people are faced with diverting their attention, dealing with the interruption and then refocusing on the task that was interrupted. The goal of this research is to begin to systematically study the cognitive and affective consequences of non-linear forms of information acquisition compared to standard linear forms. Toward this goal we have begun to (1) explore the effect of user control on performance while navigating an information path via web-based information and distributed learning; and, (2) examine the utility of non-linear forms of “instruction” for increasing the ability of people to transfer their learning to new situations.
User Expectations and Perceptions of E-Learning Courses: Which Course Components Facilitate E-Learning Satisfaction?
Authors: Langhorne Anna L. , Swierenga Sarah J.
Published: January 2012

A research study investigating user expectations, achievement, and satisfaction regarding twenty-five e-course components was conducted with 50 participants from 21 e-courses offered during the 2003 summer term at The University of Dayton. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were used to derive perceptions and rankings of course components relevant to facilitating learning, enhancing communication, and facilitating engagement in the e-courses. It may be concluded that a core set of course elements exists, which enables successful achievement and overall satisfaction for online learners.
Hand Use Preferences in Delimiting the Boundaries of Normal Working Area
Authors: Choi Hyeg Joo , Mark Leonard S. , Dainoff Marvin J. , Thompson Christopher , Stasik Sara , Veale Brenna
Published: January 2012

Geometric models of normal working area have been derived from analyses of theoretically possible, but contrived and restrictive arm and hand movements (Farley, 1955; Squire, 1959; Wang et al., 1999). It is unclear whether the resulting boundaries delimit a safe, comfortable and effective reach area. The goal of the current investigation was to obtain data that can establish reach boundaries that reflect actions that are both comfortable and efficient. Adults reached for objects placed in various directions and distances in front of them. The type of reach action used to pick up the object was categorized in an effort to demarcate reach envelopes for different reach actions and identify the directional location in the workspace at which people change from reaching with their right hand to using their left hand. These data showed that people's reach actions violated important characteristics of the geometric models, including the spatial symmetry in the use of the right and left hands. From these data we are able to construct “performance-based” models of workspace area.
Sitter-Selected Postures in an Office Chair with Minimal Task Constraints
Authors: Gscheidle Gretchen M. , Reed Matthew P.
Published: January 2012

Studies of office workers' postures indicate that reclined postures are less common than upright or forward-leaning postures. Laboratory studies have shown that back extensor activity and internal pressure in the lumbar intervertebral disks are lower in reclined postures. Given these advantages, why don't workers recline more often? Postural constraints imposed by their work, particularly vision and hand-reach requirements, may preclude more upright postures. In a study at a large office facility, side-view photographs were used to measure the postures that 80 men and women chose when sitting in an office chair without a work task. All sitters chose substantially reclined postures, with backrest angles averaging 25 degrees from vertical. The findings provide evidence that office work should be designed such that workers can sit more frequently with the reclined torso postures that they would choose if they were not working.
A Two-Way Street – with Hazards Expert/Attorney Communications
Authors: Hornick Richard J. , Vredenburgh Alison G.
Published: January 2012

This panel of attorneys and human factors experts will explore the wide array of communications issues relevant to the relationship between human factors experts and their client attorneys.
Defendant Wealth and Civil Litigation: The Effects of Profit Levels on Compensatory and Punitive Damages
Authors: Paige-Smith Danielle L. , Laughery Kenneth R. , Bean Richard N.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted in order to examine the effects of defendant wealth on civil litigation damage award decisions. Wealth was manipulated in the form of company profits. This study combined two moderate profit values with the two extremes used in past research (Paige, et al 2003). All participants read three trial scenarios in which the Defendant Manufacturer was found responsible for the plaintiff's injuries and awarded either economic, punitive, or pain and suffering damages. Interestingly, with the inclusion of more moderate values, profit information was found to significantly influence punitive, pain and suffering, as well as economic damage awards. The pain and suffering relationship was not found in the previous study.
Temporal Factors of Human Error in SPAR-H Human Reliability Analysis Modeling
Authors: Boring Ronald L. , Gertman David I. , Marble Julie L.
Published: January 2012

This paper introduces recent efforts to quantify temporal factors contributing to human error. Although these efforts were specifically derived from nuclear power plant operations, they can be applied to a variety of human factors scenarios involving safety critical systems. In contrast to earlier approaches for human reliability analysis, the present approach using the SPAR-H method considers temporal factors in relation to a wide range of performance shaping factors. It is the authors' intention to classify temporal factors in a broad human performance context, ultimately describing a richer data footing for estimating human error probabilities.
Virtual Reality Simulators in Medicine: Current and Future Concerns
Authors: Scerbo Mark W.
Published: January 2012

There has been recent surge in the development of medical virtual reality simulators. These systems incorporate visual, auditory, and haptic displays and enable users to learn the skills needed to perform medical and surgical procedures in much the same way that flight simulators facilitate pilot training. These devices offer numerous training benefits to the user and also have the potential to improve patient safety. Despite these advantages, the medical community has been slow to embrace this technology. In fact, many of the current systems appear to showcase what can be done from a technological perspective instead of what should be done from the user's perspective. Thus, the purpose of this panel is to bring together experts who use, evaluate, and train with medical VR simulators to discuss current and future human factors concerns that impact the acceptance of this new technology.
Training and Individual Difference Effects on the Ability to Visually Discriminate Serially Presented Graphics: Short Term Memory Capacity in Analytic and Holistic Cognitive Styles
Authors: Pratt Elizabeth Kramer , Pratt James H.
Published: January 2012

Participants were screened for individual differences in short term memory (STM) capacity (high, low) and cognitive style (analytic, holistic) before beginning a serially-presented visual discrimination task. Participants were trained with either easy or difficult discriminations, then were transferred to novel discriminations. Variables were measured on a continuum, then dichotomized for analysis of variance. Cognitive style did not correlate with STM capacity. The two individual difference measures interacted, however, to affect accuracy performance on the transfer session of the discrimination task. Results suggest that individual differences in cognitive ability and cognitive style are orthogonal constructs that interact to affect skill acquisition and strategy development for visual-spatial tasks. Implications related to discrimination training and computer interface design are discussed.
Sleep Patterns and the Impact on Performance: A Study of Men and Women Enrolled at the United States Military Academy
Authors: Miller Nita Lewis , Shattuck Lawrence G. , Clark Jennifer K.
Published: January 2012

Sleep requirements of adolescents and young adults are distinct from those of other age groups due to differences in the circadian rhythms of the sleep-controlling hormone, melatonin. This study examined the sleep patterns of cadets during their first year of training and study at the United States Military Academy (USMA). The study population included the entire USMA class of 2007 (n ∼ 1300) and a small group of upperclassmen (n=40). Actigraphy was recorded on a sample of the class (n=80). Survey results compared sleep patterns prior to reporting to USMA with sleep patterns during Cadet Basic Training and during the Fall semester, 2003. This baseline data collection effort sets the stage for follow-on interventions that will attempt to rectify inadequacies in the sleep patterns of cadets.
Reducing Physical Load and Work Time using a Pneumatic Drywall Finishing Machine
Authors: Vi Peter
Published: January 2012

A simulated drywall plastering task was used in this study to evaluate the potential health and safety benefits of using a pneumatic drywall finishing system. The plastering task was performed in a controlled job setting. Muscular exertion while performing the plastering task was measured using electromyography (EMG). Usability questionnaires were given to all participants. Mixed findings were observed for the EMG dependent variables. Significant reduction in the number and duration of muscular rest and static load level were observed for the left forearm flexor muscles when working with the pneumatic tool. However, significant increase in the median and peak load level were observed in the right forearm flexor muscle when working with the Apla-Tech pneumatic tool. The usability questionnaire indicated that a majority of the workers preferred the pneumatic tool. The use of ladders and rolling scaffolds was reduced when working with the pneumatic tool because the tool allowed all workers to reach higher corners and ceiling height. Based on the EMG measures, tool preference and reduction of risk of traumatic slips and falls indicate that the pneumatic tool is an effective tool for applying compound onto drywall joints. Further studies in the field setting to verify the effectiveness of the pneumatic tool should be conducted.
College Students and Computers: Assessment of Usage Patterns and Musculoskeletal Discomfort
Authors: Cooper Karen N. , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Mirka Gary A.
Published: January 2012

Time pressure from deadlines, awkward body postures and long-duration, continuous computer use are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in workers using computers. Few studies have examined computer-use-related MSDs in college students. This study investigated computer use patterns of college students, and made comparisons to a group of computer-using professionals. 234 students completed a web-based questionnaire on computer use habits and discomfort students associated with computer use. As a group, students reported their computer use to be at least ‘Somewhat likely’ 18 out of 24 h/day, compared to 12 h for the professionals. Students reported more uninterrupted work behaviours than the professionals. Younger graduate students reported 33.7 average weekly computing hours, similar to hours reported by younger professionals. Students generally reported more frequent upper extremity discomfort than the professionals. Frequent assumption of awkward postures was associated with frequent discomfort. Results signal a need for intervention prior to entry into the workforce.
Computer Input Devices: Quantification of Use and Variation in Use
Authors: Sommerich Carolyn M. , Vatan Sahika , Asmus Amy
Published: January 2012

A computer usage monitor (software odometer) was used to collect information on computer input device usage (keystrikes, mouse clicks and movement, and duration of input activity) from 27 professionals, for an average of 17 working days, each. Data from an odometer provides a more extensive means of describing and exploring computer use than more traditional methods, such as self-report of average use in response to a survey question. Further, by collecting data for an extended period of time, considerable day to day variation in computer use was found within subjects. This confirmed the necessity for collecting such data over an extended period of time, and illustrates one of the benefits of the use of software odometers over, or in conjunction with, self-reported usage information via surveys or diaries, or work sampling accomplished through direct observation.
Comparing Results of Four Lifting Analysis Tools
Authors: Russell Steven , Winnemuller Lori , Camp Janice , Johnson Peter
Published: January 2012

Four lifting analysis methods ( WA L&I, NIOSH, ACGIH TLV, and 3DSSPP) were used to assess milk case stocking of 4- and 6-gallon cases. The outputs of each method were converted to a risk index similar to NIOSH's Lifting Index and used to contrast and compare risk predictions. All instruments showed higher risks associated with lifting the 6-gallon cases versus the 4-gallon cases. The NIOSH and ACGIH TLV methods were virtually identical in their results and predicted substantially higher risk when compared to the 3DSSPP. WA L&I showed risk only at the higher lifts, but its threshold for risk was designed to be higher for regulatory purposes. NIOSH's multi-task analyses were also performed. For the practitioner, the ACGIH TLV is a simpler tool to use and yields results similar to the NIOSH single-task analysis for this type of lifting, but NIOSH offers greater interpretive capabilities. All of the instruments may underestimate the risk of this lifting task due to the presence of factors unaccounted for in their calculations. The differences, strengths, and limitations of each method are outlined.
A Preliminary Field Assessment of the Energy Expenditure of Forestry Workers in South Africa
Authors: Scott P. A. , Christie C. J.
Published: January 2012

Internationally forestry is recognized as encompassing some of the most physically demanding and hazardous jobs. While extensive research has been conducted in many advanced forestry areas, very little has been done in South Africa where a multi-ethnic manual work force has to operate in sub-optimal working and climatic conditions. This paper will present the findings of a preliminary investigation conducted on Chainsaw operators (Felling and Cross-cutting) and Stackers working in the tropical north of the country where ambient temperatures and humidity are high. The vast majority of these workers come from meagre living conditions with a very low nutritional intake and associated health problems all of which have a substantial negative impact on worker efficiency. The results reveal that with mean working heart rates and energy expenditures of 135 bt.min-1 (8.54 kcal.min-1) and 137 bt.min-1 (9.21 kcal.min-1) for the Chainsaw operators and Stackers respectively, the job requirements fall into the categories of ‘very heavy’ to ‘unduly heavy’ placing extreme stress on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems of these manual labourers, and showing a clear need for sound ergonomics intervention.
Characteristics of Job Rotation in the Midwest U.S. Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Jorgensen Michael , Davis Kermit , Veluswamy Prabahran , Ekrut Carrie , Kotowski Susan
Published: January 2012

Job rotation has been advocated as a business practice to increase the skill of employees, as well as a suitable intervention for the control of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, little is known regarding the prevalence of job rotation, methods used to identify jobs to rotate to, or the benefits or limitations of job rotation. A web-based questionnaire was developed to survey job rotation practices in the Midwest U.S. manufacturing sector. Results indicated that 42% of the companies contacted use job rotation, and that companies appeared to be using job rotation on a permanent basis. Job rotation was used mainly to reduce exposure to risk factors and reduce work related injuries, whereas methods utilized to identify jobs to rotate to were based mainly on supervisor decision and ergonomic job analysis. These findings suggest further study is needed to determine if exposure to risk factors is being reduced through current efforts.
Effect of Whole Body Com Velocity on Friction Demand
Authors: Kim Sukwon , Lockhart Thurmon , Yoon Hoon-Yong , Park Min-Yong
Published: January 2012

The study was conducted to evaluate relationships among walking velocity, heel contact velocity, and friction demand. Particularly, the study attempted to ask if two age groups (younger and older groups) differed in walking velocity and heel contact velocity, and how these gait parameters influenced friction demand characteristics in two age groups. 14 younger (7 females and 7 males, 18 to 30 years old) and 14 older (7 females and 7 males, over 65 years old) adults participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data were measured using 6 infrared cameras and 2 force plates mounted on the walking track. The primary goal of the study was to evaluate if walking velocity (whole body COM velocity) and heel contact velocity with advancing age influenced friction demand characteristics. The results indicated that older adults walked slower, exhibited lower heel contact velocity, and produced lower friction demand in comparison to younger adults. The study suggested that walking velocity could be a good indicator for predicting friction demand characteristics.
Relationship between Slip Distance and Perceptions of Slipperiness and Stability
Authors: DiDomenico Angela , McGorry Raymond W.
Published: January 2012

Falls precipitated by slipping are listed among the leading causes of occupational injuries. Several factors influence the risk of slips and falls, including perception of surface conditions. A study was conducted to investigate if perceptions of slipperiness and stability are related to slip distance at heel strike during normal walking. The investigation compared objective and subjective measures for thirty-one participants ranging in age from 19-67 years old. Participants were evaluated while walking at three velocities over three floor surfaces. The results indicated that there were significant differences in slip distance caused by floor surfaces, but perceptions did not reflect these changes. Correlations between slip distance and subjective evaluations of slipperiness and stability were r = −0.18, partially due to a large variability in perceptions between individuals. Small slips were not generally perceived, but a uniform cutoff distance could not be identified that would be appropriate for most individuals.
Visualizations to Facilitate Online Tabular Presentation of Product Data
Authors: Resnick Marc L. , Fares Carlos
Published: January 2012

In a growing number of domains, users are presented with huge volumes of data that they are required to parse in order to accomplish their goals. Interface designers are experimenting with a variety of design manipulations to facilitate user's identification and analysis of these data. Many domains present information in grids, such as the side-by-side comparison of products prevalent at many e-commerce web sites. Further assistance can be provided by using color-coding, ranking systems and other visualization techniques. This study investigates the use of color-coding and ranking on tasks that require either focused or integrative analysis of tabular data. The results show that each provides some benefit, but color-coding is superior. The presence of both manipulations degrades performance, suggesting some degree of information overload. Furthermore, despite the prevalence of these techniques, instructions that explained how they were relevant to the task were necessary to achieve the performance improvement. The implications of these results are discussed.
Persuasive Design Through Intelligent Recommendation Systems
Authors: Resnick Marc L. , Pompa Sheryda , Korn Isaac , Castillo Omar
Published: January 2012

Collaboration between human factors and marketing can have a significant impact on the profitability of retail, particularly on the Internet where comprehensive information systems can be used to model customer and product relationships. This paper presents a case study through which the capabilities of intelligent recommendation systems to achieve persuasive design are demonstrated. A web site for a department store was created that provides targeted recommendations to customers based on functional relationships between products and customer profile information where available. The site was designed to present only recommendations that closely match the needs of the customer and establish a trusted relationship. An empirical study was conducted to verify that the goals of the site were attained. Participants rated the recommendations as relevant, unobtrusive, and reported an enhanced shopping experience. Privacy requirements were also maintained. This case study demonstrates that understanding and designing for the needs of the customer can significantly enhance the opportunity to increase sales to online retail customers.
Modeling User Satisfaction, Frustration, and User Goal/Website Compatibility
Authors: Garrett Sandra K. , Horn Diana B. , Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: January 2012

Users often come to websites with a specific type of purpose or goal, which defines how the user interacts with the site. Two types of task-goals addressed in this study include general browsing and specific information seeking. Likewise, the design and organization of different websites can facilitate different user goals. User satisfaction and frustration from interacting with a particular website depends on the compatibility between the website design and the user's type of goal. This study applies simulation techniques to investigate how the compatibility between user goals and website design impacts user satisfaction and frustration levels. The simulation results show that navigation tools that increase compatibility versus attractiveness (the increased likelihood of use) have a greater impact on customer satisfaction and could in turn maximize the effectiveness of website usage.
A Comparison of Three-Level Web Menu Navigation Structures
Authors: Kingsburg Jennifer R. , Andre Anthony D.
Published: January 2012

This research addresses the topic of three-level menu structures, now commonly found in e-commerce web sites, by measuring the performance and preference effects of different menu location combinations. Two studies were conducted, each using 16 different participants. The first study compared combinations of left and top menu positions across three menu levels. The results indicated a benefit when the first (primary) menu level was located on the left side of the screen, and when second and third menu levels were grouped in the same plane, opposite from the primary menu. The second study included a comparison of right-side menus. The results confirmed the benefit of grouping the second and third menu levels in the same plane, and suggest the value of locating the primary menu level on the right side. Finally, users preferred primary menus that were located in the left or right planes rather than the top plane. The results have important implications for the design of multi-level web site menu structures and represent a first-step towards providing empirical-based guidelines to site designers.
Application of Human-Computer Interaction Theories to Identify User Requirements for Internet Portal Design
Authors: Rao Sushma , Smith-Jackson Tonya L.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the first of two parts of a research study. The overall objective of the research was to determine the effects of tailoring Internet portal content and presentation style to user requirements according to either or both of two HCI theories. This study involved user requirements gathering by using a portal containing hyperlinks as the test bed. Participants rated the hyperlinks according to importance and the descriptions of each hyperlink according to intuitiveness. Results are discussed in terms of user search behavior and specific search requirements.
A Combined Macroergonomics & Public Health Approach to Injury Prevention: Two Years Later
Authors: Rice Valerie J. Berg , Gable Clayton
Published: January 2012

One reason for implementing a macroergonomic approach is the belief that it will yield improvements sustained over time. Between January 2000 and June 2001, an injury prevention program was implemented with U.S. Army students attending Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as Combat Medics. The highly successful original intervention included a general (2000) and a targeted (2001) program that reduced clinic visits for musculoskeletal complaints and decreased limited duty days. Two and a half years later, there is a continued decline in new profiles (limited duty assignments) among women (6.9% in 2000, 5.6% in 2001, and 3.1% per week in 2003), and slightly higher, but still low, new profiles for men (3.2% in 2000, 1.4 in 2001, and 2.5% per week in 2003). In addition, fewer soldiers are held over in AIT due to training related injuries (3% vs. < 1%). Although many factors can influence changes over time, AIT leadership and the authors believe the two most significant factors are the standard physical training program and the accountability process.