bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of Automation to Support Time-Critical Replanning Decisions
Authors: Johnson Kip E. , Kuchar James K. , Oman Charles M.
Published: January 2012

An experimental study was performed to evaluate several types of automation for time-pressured replanning tasks. Subjects modified a two-dimensional route using waypoint manipulation on a computer screen in response to a sudden change in the displayed environment while having access to one of four types of automation. In addition to a baseline case without automation, subjects received automated assistance that either reduced hazard exposure, ensured meeting time-to-target and fuel constraints, or combined hazard avoidance with time and fuel constraints. Time pressure was imposed by requiring the route to be replanned within four different time limits of less than one minute. Results show that the benefit of automation decreased as time pressure was relaxed. Subjects showed reticence to deviate from highly automated route suggestions even when significant improvements were still possible. In addition, partial automation induced more errors than in cases with no automation, highlighting the potential negative effects of introducing automation.
A Field Test of Two Methods for Assessing Infantry Situation Awareness
Authors: Matthews Michael D. , Beal Scott A.
Published: January 2012

Two methods for assessing situation awareness (SA) were field tested during infantry exercises. Eight platoons of U.S. Military Academy cadets executed an infantry mission during summer field training exercises. A subjective SA measure, the Mission Awareness Rating Scale (MARS), was given to each platoon leader and one squad leader from each platoon to self-assess both SA and cognitive workload demanded by the tasks. In addition, infantry expert observers rated each platoon and squad leader using the Situation Awareness Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (SABARS). Both MARS and SABARS had been validated previously in missions conducted in a virtual environment. In the current field test, both instruments showed evidence of successfully measuring SA. Both instruments show promise for assessing SA in the field, or in other venues where more obtrusive measurement protocols are undesirable.
Human-Automated Judgment Learning: A Methodology to Investigate Human Interaction with Automated Judges
Authors: Bass Ellen J. , Pritchett Amy R.
Published: January 2012

Human-automated Judgment Learning (HAJL) is a methodology for investigating human-automated judgment system interaction capturing the judgment processes of the human and automated judge, features of the task environment, and relationships between them. HAJL provides measures for conflict between the judges, compromise by the human judge, adaptation of the human judge to the automated one, and for assessing how well the human judge understands the automated one. HAJL was empirically tested using a simplified air traffic conflict prediction task. Two between-subjects manipulations were crossed to investigate HAJL's sensitivity to training and design interventions. Statistically significant differences were found with respect to 1) males outperforming females judgment performance before feedback from the automated judge was available while the judge's subsequent output eliminated this difference; 2) participants tended to compromise with the automated judge over time. HAJL also identified a trend for participants with higher judgment achievement to predict better the automated judgment and thought that their own judgments were closer to the automated judge than they were.
Modeling Error Recovery in Dynamic Collaborative Domains
Authors: Nikolic Mark I. , Sarter Nadine B.
Published: January 2012

For many years, the focus of research in the area of human error was the prevention of erroneous actions and assessments through training and design. However, errors can never be eliminated completely. Therefore, the goal of more recent efforts is to minimize their negative consequences through support for error management, i.e., the detection, explanation, and recovery from erroneous actions. For the most part, these efforts have examined the first step in this sequence - error detection. In contrast, little is known about how operators explain and recover from errors. This is true especially for dynamic collaborative environments such as aviation. In this paper, we present findings from a survey and an incident report analysis that suggest the need for adapting the current model of error recovery. Specifically, we emphasize the importance of considering constraints imposed by specific domains in order to predict and explain the predominance and success of certain recovery strategies.
Impact of Contextual Information on Automation Brittleness
Authors: Ockerman Jennifer J. , Pritchett Amy R.
Published: January 2012

Brittleness, the inability to provide accurate assistance in all situations, is frequently an issue with complex automation and automatic decision aids. This paper examines a method of mitigating the impact of brittleness on overall system function. Using the task of planning an emergency descent for a commercial aircraft, this study found that the presence of contextual information in the presentation of an automatically generated emergency descent procedure might aid in mitigating the effects of automation brittleness. By providing pilots with rationale as to the design of the descent procedure, the pilots were better able to correctly determine why a provided procedure was or was not feasible.
EFFECTS OF UNRELIABLE AUTOMATION ON DECISION MAKING IN COMMAND AND CONTROL
Authors: Rovira Ericka , McGarry Kathleen , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

The effectiveness of automated decision aids used by human operators in command and control systems may depend not only on automation reliability, but also on the type (stage) and level the automated support provides. Automation can be applied to information acquisition, information integration and analysis, decision choice selection, or action implementation (Parasuraman, Sheridan, & Wickens, 2000). The present study examined the effects of variations in the stage of automation support on performance in a “Sensor to Shooter” targeting simulation of command and control. Independent variables included the type and level of automation support (complete listing, priority listing, top choices, and recommendation of decision choice) and the reliability of the automation (60% and 80%). Dependent variables included accuracy and reaction time of target engagement decisions. Compared to manual performance, reliable automation did not affect the accuracy of target engagement decisions but did significantly reduce decision times. When the automation was unreliable, under the higher reliability condition (80%) there was a greater cost in accuracy performance for higher levels of automation aiding (priority listing, top choice, and recommendation) than at a lower level (complete listing). The results support the view that automation unreliability has a greater performance cost for decision automation than for information automation. This performance cost generalizes across a number of different forms of decision-aiding.
Constructing Battlefield Understanding: A Comparison of Experienced and Novice Decision Makers in Different Contexts
Authors: Shattuck Lawrence G. , Talcott Christopher , Matthews Michael D. , Clark Jennifer , Swiergosz Matthew
Published: January 2012

Understanding the evolving, complex events on a battlefield requires a decision maker to gather and integrate data from disparate sources. The work described herein is the final in a series of studies that investigates the decision making processes employed by military decision makers. Twenty-one Army officers participated in a simulation of an offensive military operation. The results of this study are compared to the results of three previous studies involving participants with differing levels of expertise (experienced versus novice) and using different types of scenarios (defense versus offense). Results strongly suggest that performance of military decision makers varies based on levels of experience and the data they gather vary according to context. Implications for design of decision support systems are also discussed.
An Empirical Comparison of Methods for Eliciting and Modeling Expert Knowledge
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , Coffey John W. , Carnot Mary Jo , Novak Joseph D.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this project in Human-Centered Computing was to apply a variety of methods of Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) and Cognitive Field Research (CFR) to support a complete process going all the way from knowledge elicitation to leverage point identification and then to system prototyping, and also use this as an opportunity to empirically compare and evaluate the methods. The research relied upon the participation of expert, journeyman, and apprentice weather forecasters at the Naval Training Meteorology and Oceanography Facility at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Methods included Protocol Analysis, a number of types of structured interviews, workspace and work patterns analysis, the Critical Decision Method, the Knowledge Audit, Concept Mapping, and the Cognitive Modeling Procedure. The methods were compared in terms of (1) their yield of information that was useful in modeling expert knowledge, (2) their yield in terms of identification of leverage points (where the application of new technology might bring about positive change), and (3) their efficiency. Efficiency was gauged in terms of total effort (time to prepare to run a procedure, plus time to run the procedure, plus time to analyze the data) relative to the yield (number of leverage points identified, number of propositions suitable for use in a model of domain knowledge). CTA/CFR methods supported the identification of dozens of leverage points and also yielded behaviorally- validated models of the reasoning of expert forecasters. Knowledge modeling using Concept-Mapping resulted in over a thousand propositions covering domain knowledge. The Critical Decision Method yielded a number of richly-populated case studies with associated Decision Requirements Tables. Results speak to the relative efficiency of various methods of CTA/CFR, and also the strengths of each of the methods. In addition to extending our empirical base on the comparison of knowledge elicitation methods, a deliverable from the project was a knowledge model that illustrates human-centered computing in that it integrates training support and performance aiding.
Computational Cognitive Models Iso Ecologically Optimal Strategies
Authors: Gray Wayne D. , Schoelles Michael J. , Myers Christopher W.
Published: January 2012

Our work with the Argus Prime (Schoelles & Gray, 2001) simulated task environment has uncovered a variety of strategies that subjects use, at least sometimes, during target acquisition. However, it is difficult to determine how well subjects implement these strategies and, if implemented, how much these strategies contribute to overall performance. Recently, we have adopted Byrne and Kirlik's (2002) cognitive-ecological approach to determine what strategies work best in different task environments. In the work reported here, we took one computational cognitive model and, holding all else constant, swapped in and out alternative strategies for target acquisition. We then ran each of these simulated human users ten times through each of four interface conditions.
A Lens Model Analysis of Confidence Judgments: Beyond Calibration Measures
Authors: Nam Chang S. , Bisantz Ann M.
Published: January 2012

To better understand the judgment processes leading to an unjustifiably high level of confidence, the present study tested the impact of task characteristics as determinants of overconfidence, using a Lens Model analysis. Participants were asked to make a repair judgment about a pavement crack, and then rate the confidence in their judgments. Two, 2 level between-participants conditions (i.e., high/low environmental predictability and yes/no confidence judgment training), and one 4 level within-participants condition (i.e., task familiarity) were used as independent variables. Lens Model parameters and calibration measures were used as dependent variables. Results showed that similar to results in prior studies, participants tended to be overconfident, in which their level of overconfidence was greater in a less predictable (i.e., more difficult) task environment. These effects were only somewhat mitigated by confidence judgment training, not being affected by increased task familiarity. An analysis of Lens Model parameters indicated that participants who were more overconfident, may have been reflected in their assessments of confidence, their belief that they were making judgments consistently.
Measuring Judgment Interaction with Displays and Automation
Authors: Pritchett Amy R. , Bisantz Ann M.
Published: January 2012

Methodologies for assessing human judgment in complex domains are important for design of both displays that inform judgments and automated systems that suggest judgments. This paper applies n-system Lens Model methods for evaluating human judgments, examining the impact of displays, and assessing the similarity between human judgments and the judgment policies used by automated systems. First, the need for and concepts underlying, judgment analysis are outlined. Then the n-system Lens Model and its parameters are formally described. This model is then used to examine a study of aircraft collision detection examined previously using standard ANOVA methods. Our analysis found the same main effects as the earlier analysis. However, the n-system Lens Model analysis provided greater resolution regarding the information relied upon for judgments, the impact of displays on judgment, and the attributes of human judgments that are - and are not - similar to judgments produced by automated system
When Should Computers Talk: Using Multiple Resource Theory to Determine Whether to add Synthetic Speech to a User Interface
Authors: Commarford Patrick M. , Wilson Katherine A. , Stanney Kay M.
Published: January 2012

In an effort to maximize user performance and satisfaction, developers have added synthetic speech output to many computer interfaces. Using Multiple Resource Theory as the foundation, the purpose of this paper is to help determine under which conditions the addition of speech to an interface will be beneficial. Participants used a speech enhanced or control interface to complete a verbal and a spatial task. Results demonstrate that the simultaneous presentation of information via synthetic speech can be detrimental to performance on a verbal task and to user satisfaction. No performance or satisfaction differences were found for the spatial task. This paper concludes with design guidelines and suggestions for future research.
The Effects of Product, Signal Word, and Color on Warning Labels: Differences in Perceived Hazard
Authors: Silver N. Clayton , Drake Kelly L. , Niaghi Zahra B. , Brim Aubrey C. , Pedraza Otto
Published: January 2012

Signal words, such as DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are often used on consumer products to connote various levels of hazard. Each of these signal words is usually printed in a color (e.g., white on a dark background) in order to potentially increase saliency or aesthetics. Hence, there is a potentially significant interaction of signal word, color, and product type on perceived hazard. Warning labels for muriatic acid, Xtra-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, and Crayola Crayons were factorially combined with signal word (DEADLY, DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE) and color of signal word (orange, blue, red, black) for a total of 60 conditions. A sample of 124 undergraduates rated each product warning on understandability, likelihood of compliance, carefulness, and attention-gettingness. Results indicated that muriatic acid had significantly higher hazard ratings than either the cleaner or crayons. Black connoted the highest level of hazard followed by blue, red, and orange. Furthermore, the order of perceived hazard from highest to lowest for signal word was DEADLY, DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE. Moreover, there appears to be an averaging effect in which muriatic acid with the signal word NOTE printed in orange produced the same connoted hazard level as the package of crayons with the signal word CAUTION printed in red. Implications for warning design are discussed.
An Empirical Study of Usability Testing: Heuristic Evaluation Vs. User Testing
Authors: Wang Enlie , Caldwell Barrett
Published: January 2012

In this study, two different usability-testing methods (Heuristic Evaluation and User Testing) were selected to test the usability of a pre-release version of software searching for Science, Mathematics and Engineering education materials. Our major goal is to compare Heuristic Evaluation and User Testing in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and cost/benefit analysis. We found that Heuristic Evaluation was more efficient than User Testing in finding usability problems (41 vs. 10), while User Testing was more effective than Heuristic Evaluation in finding major problems (70% vs.12%). in general, Heuristic Evaluation appears to be more economic in finding a wide range of usability problems by incurring a low cost in comparison to User Testing. However, User Testing can provide more insightful data from real users such as user's performance and satisfaction.
Teaching Techniques and Demonstrations: Let's Not Recreate the Wheel
Authors: Stone Nancy J.
Published: January 2012

As educators in human factors and ergonomics, we often struggle to find good examples that demonstrate the underlying psychological or ergonomic principles and how these principles are applied to HF/E problems. This symposium is an attempt to establish a basic format for presenting effective teaching techniques, strategies, and demonstrations. These five demonstrations require active participation of the students, make the HF/E principles more relevant, cost under $50, and require little more than everyday equipment available in most academic departments. After the presentations, a 20 to 30 minute discussion will ensue to identify 1) existing but undocumented demonstrations, 2) areas in which demonstrations are needed, and 3) additional sources of demonstrations.
Computer-Enhanced Demonstrations of the Fitts' Tapping Task
Authors: Freivalds Andris , Kong Dongjoon
Published: January 2012

As human factors (HF) educators, we often struggle to find good examples or inexpensive tools that allow us to demonstrate basic ergonomic principles. The following computer software allows us to HF educators to demonstrate a variety of basic cognitive not only in a lecture of laboratory environment but also at the convenience of the student who owns a personal computer. Specifically this demonstration will present the Fitts' Tapping Task with the Index of Difficulty factor using an eye-hand coordination task but the variation of performing the movements with a mouse.
Comparison of Design Requirements Methods for Monitoring Eating Patterns of Seniors in a Smart House
Authors: Ryu Young Sam , Williges Robert C. , Smith-Jackson Tonya L. , Kwahk Jiyoung
Published: January 2012

The Smart House technology introduced an intelligent home designed to monitor the health and well being of senior residents unobtrusively. As one of the most important components of the smart house technology, we are developing an online eating-pattern monitoring system to be incorporated into a Smart House. A combination of four needs assessment methods including focus groups, observation, questionnaire and document review was used to gather information from seniors to determine critical design requirements for the system. A framework of information and interface requirements was developed to compare the effectiveness of the four methods used in our needs assessment. All four methods provided useful design recommendations, but each method differed in terms of specification of information and interface requirements. Based on the classification and comparison of methods, other practitioners can determine tradeoffs and select relevant needs assessment methods for their particular application.
Immune Buildings - Using Ergonomics and Environmental Design to Create Safe and Secure Settings
Authors: Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

The horrendous events in September of last year, from airplane attacks on large buildings to bioterrorism in postal and other government facilities, raised awareness of the vulnerability many modern buildings to terrorist attack and the importance of designing safer buildings that impede terrorist activity and that can facilitate occupant egress at a time of crisis. This symposium will examine the role that Human Factors professionals can play in improving the design of Immune Buildings, designed to better protect occupants and minimize the risks of hostile activity. Four papers will be presented that will examine human factors contributions to new ways of thinking about buildings. The first paper by James Wise will describe approaches to de-opportunizing such undesirable behaviors and environmental design changes that can thwart vandalism, burglaries, bank robberies, physical and sexual assaults, and counterterrorist situations. The second paper by Jake Pauls will review opportunities for changing building designs to impede terrorist ingress and facilitate occupant egress in times of need. The third paper by Alan Hedge will review ways that building ventilation systems can be configured to minimize bioterrorist threats on indoor environments by implementing a concept of ‘smart furniture’. The fourth paper by Eric Neiderman will examine the contributions that human factors can make to improving airport security.
Considerations for Developing a Consensus Standard for Safety Information in Product-Accompanying Literature
Authors: Young Stephen L. , Frantz J. Paul , Rhoades Timothy P. , Hall Steven M.
Published: January 2012

At their most recent meeting, the ANSI Z535 Accredited Standards Committee considered the merits and practicality of developing a standard regarding the presentation of safety messages in product-accompanying literature. Subsequent to the meeting, the committee voted to form a new subcommittee, ANSI Z535.6. The purpose of this new subcommittee is to develop a new standard to complement the existing Z535 standards by dealing with various aspects of the provision of safety information in collateral materials such as manuals, instruction books, troubleshooting and repair manuals, etc. The present paper serves to provide an early notice to the human factors community of the ANSI Z535.6 standards-development activity. This paper also presents a preliminary analysis of (a) some existing standards, recommended practices and guidelines addressing safety information in various types of product manuals and (b) the ways in which safety information is currently presented in various product manuals.
Traction Considerations during Stairway Descent
Authors: Smith Robert H.
Published: January 2012

Investigations of actual pedestrian descent slips on dry stairway-tread nosings indicate that additional analysis of traction requirements during such activity is warranted. Limited bio-mechanical-traction-demand testing utilizing force plates on stairs have been conducted. Results from this work have been used to characterize currently accepted safety factors for stair-tread slip resistance as generous. However, two issues of relevance have not been considered. One is the angle of foot contact with the nosing, which can produce a ramp-effect. Ramp descent necessitates provision of greater slip resistance than does horizontal ambulation. Another is elastomeric friction behavior by shoe heel and -sole materials in contact with treads. in classical metallic theory, the coefficient of friction is directly proportional to the developed frictional resistance force divided by the applied normal load. This is not always so with elastomeric materials. With some elastomers, the friction coefficient decreases as applied normal forces increase. Because of this inverse response, focus widens to include both traction demand by the pedestrian and traction production in the footwear. The potential importance of foot-contact angles and the elastomeric-friction mechanism in stairway descent are assessed.
On Informing Women of Child Bearing Age about Seat Belt Risk during Pregnancy
Authors: Freeman Kenya , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Seat belts have been effective in reducing serious injuries and deaths in vehicular accidents. However, their use by women in the third trimester of pregnancy can cause placental damage and fetal injury or death in relatively minor motor vehicle accidents without severely injuring pregnant women. The lack of seat belt use in similar or more serious accidents could cause severe injuries or death to pregnant women from impacts within the cabin or from ejection, and in turn could lead to fetal injuries or deaths. The present study sought to determine whether women between the ages of 16 and 45 (child bearing age) would like to be informed of these risks. Ninety-nine of the 101 women surveyed indicated they would like to be informed of the risks, and that they would expect to find this information in the vehicle's owners manual. in dealing with the risks, some women indicated that they would wear the seatbelts and others indicated they would not. Most respondents indicated that they would reduce the risks by reducing their use of the vehicle during pregnancy. These results have implications for risk communications.
Personality, Coping and Task-Induced Stress in Customer Service Personnel
Authors: Matthews Gerald , Falconer Shona
Published: January 2012

This study investigated predictors of stress responses in customer service personnel working for a major telecommunications company. 91 participants performed a simulation of their work task. They were presented with telephone inquiries, and tested for their knowledge of the correct response. Several findings of a previous study (Matthews & Falconer, 2000) were replicated. Performing the task appeared to be intrinsically stressful, as evidenced by a large magnitude increase in subjective distress. Individual differences in stress state were related to strategy for coping with task demands. The ‘Big Five’ personality traits were compared with measures of dispositional coping style as predictors of subjective stress state. Coping measures added significantly to the variance in stress state explained by the Big Five. Emotion-focused strategies such as self-criticism appeared to be especially damaging in the customer service context. Coping measures might be used by organizations to select operators likely to be resistant to task-induced stress.
Identification of Measures Sensitive to Fatigue Development Associated with Low-Level Exertions of the Neck Musculature and the Effects of Age
Authors: Joines Sharon , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Mirka Gary , Wilson James R. , Moon Samuel
Published: January 2012

This research had two purposes: to identify measures sensitive to fatigue development associated with low force, static exertions and to investigate the effects of aging on fatigue onset associated with low-level exertions of the neck musculature.

Fourteen subjects participated ranging in age from 20 to 62 years. The task consisted of a submaximal neck extension exertion held until fatigue. Based on the results of this experiment, it was found that:

▪ Several measures are sensitive to fatigue induced during a low-level static exertion of the neck extensor muscles, including: discomfort, three EMG time domain and four frequency domain parameters ▪ when comparing groups based on age, results and interpretations of effects due to age may be directly be influenced by the choice of dependent measure (such as discomfort, maximum force, and potentially time to fatigue); ▪ regardless of age, some subjects may exhibit fatigue resistance at low exertions levels.
Analysis of Per-Item and Per-Lot Paced Visual Inspection for High Target Probability Conditions
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Rajeev M. , Bowling Shannon R. , Khasawneh Mohammad T. , Gramopadhye A nand K , Melloy Brian J
Published: January 2012

Inspection, a necessary component in manufacturing to ensure process and quality control, has two main components, visual search and decision-making. The human element, while not perfect, cannot be eliminated from the inspection process because of the inherent advantages that a human inspector has to offer. Since some type of pacing is generally incorporated into the manufacturing setting for cost effectiveness, discovering how speed and rigidity affect the accuracy of inspection is essential. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the relationship between time limits imposed on inspectors and the amount of flexibility they have in performing the inspection task.
Application of Principal Components Analysis for Evaluation and Classification of Complex Emg Data
Authors: Perez Miguel A. , Nussbaum Maury
Published: January 2012

Many biomechanical models used to produce injury risk estimates for the lower trunk require lower trunk muscle forces as inputs. These forces are typically estimated through the use of surface electromyography (sEMG). The variability inherent in sEMG measurements can, and should, be analyzed to determine the possible presence and sources of excessive variation in the data. Principal components analysis (PCA) provides a robust and straightforward method for performing an analysis of the variability of complex sEMG datasets. This paper describes the results obtained from the application of PCA to a dataset consisting of activation levels for several lower trunk muscles. The results demonstrate the value of the technique in identifying clusters of observations in the data and in simplifying the multidimensional dataset. The use of PCA as a hypothesis generation tool is also explored.
The Effect of Challenging Somatosensory Inputs on Eye Movement and Postural Sway Patterns of Workers
Authors: Kind L. , Bhattacharya A. , Succop P.
Published: January 2012

For the construction industry, especially the roofing industry, slips/trips and falls have the highest incident rate leading to an injury and fatality. This study investigated the eye movement and postural sway patterns of industrial workers (n=48) with various work experience (months of work experience on inclined surfaces), fatigue conditions (none, half and full), visual cues (none, H cue), tasks (stationary, reach) and surface inclinations (0°, 14°, 26°). Eye movement variables of length and area of movement as well as fixation data and postural sway variables of area and length were significantly affected (p<0.05) by incline, cue, task and work experience. The effect of the eye movement variables on the postural balance was limited and further study is necessary. The use of visual cues is an effective means of increasing postural stability and could be used in occupational situations where no vertical or horizontal cues are naturally available.
The Ergonomics Process in a Large Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Rice Kim M. , Joseph Brad , Kilduff-Rich Helen
Published: January 2012

This study reviewed the ergonomics process at a large automotive manufacturing company. Since program inception in 1989, the Company and the UAW have been industry leaders in developing a participatory ergonomics program at the plant level. Every large US facility has a locally controlled and operated cross-functional ergonomics team. in the years following implementation (1997–2001), extensive program development and team training have been well established. During program maturation, the organization as a whole has seen significant reductions in lost time case rate for cases of ergonomic interest (14.6%/year) and has had a strong decreasing trend for severity rate for cases of ergonomic interest (39.5 days/year). The local level teams are evaluated on their adherence to the ergonomic program with the use of process metrics including internal audits, OSHA compliance, and intervention activity level. The jointly designed process was developed with the intent of reducing injury rates (outcome metrics). This paper will evaluate the correlation between the ergonomics program outcome metrics and the process metrics.
Effects of Level of Automation on Errors and Consistency in Two- and Three-Dimensional Anthropometry
Authors: Feathers David , Paquet Victor , Drury Colin
Published: January 2012

This study investigated some potential sources of error, and their consequences, across different types of anthropometric measurement methods. The measurement methods included use of traditional anthropometric instruments, as well as two versions of an electromechanical approach that recorded three-dimensional locations of body parts. Several errors were hypothesized to be from aspects related to human information processing and their interaction with differing methods. Measurements obtained with the traditional approach and two versions of the electromechanical approach were then compared for two experienced anthropometrists who each took 72 measurements on a cadaveric forearm while it was clothed and unclothed. ANOVA demonstrated that there were differences in measurement consistency between individuals, measurement methods and clothing conditions. This study was an initial attempt to investigate the potential sources of error within anthropometric measurements via focusing on the information presented to the measurer and the application of this information to the consistency of measurement. The findings provide information about the causes of error and the saviors of consistency.
The Effect of the Postures of the Middle Finger and the Wrist Upon the Movement of the Index Finger: Preliminary Studies
Authors: Holmquist John P.
Published: January 2012

This paper created a preliminary index of the range of motion of the index finger with the effect of the middle digit suspended at minimum and maximum flexion. A follow-up study was performed creating a preliminary index of the range of motion of the fingers on each hand and the effect of the wrist joint suspended at minimum and maximum flexion. The resulting indexes can be used by professionals to study the average limitations, by designers to build better tools, and by researchers to further the fields of anthropometries, biomechanics, and the arts.
Which is a Better Method of Web Evaluation? a Comparison of User Testing and Heuristic Evaluation
Authors: Tan Wei-Siong , Bishu R. R.
Published: January 2012

Besides recognizing the importance of incorporating usability evaluation techniques in the design and development phase of any user interface (UI), it is also very important that designers recognize the benefits and limitations of the different usability inspection methods. This is because the quality of the usability evaluation is dependent on the method used. Two of the more popular usability evaluation techniques are user testing and heuristic analysis. The main objective of this study was to compare the efficiency and effectiveness between user testing and heuristic analysis in evaluating four different commercial websites. Comparing the proportion of usability problems and the type of problems addressed by these two methods both in the early and later stage of the design process does this. The results showed that both user testing and heuristic analysis addressed very different usability problems and with the exception compatibility and security and privacy problems, where heuristic analysis outperforms user testing, both methods are equally efficient and effective in addressing different categories of usability problems.
Using the Locus of Control Personality Dimension as a Predictor of Online Behavior
Authors: Lida Bonnie L. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

Since the 16th century, the availability of communication technology has advanced the level and accessibility of commerce and personal freedoms. The advent of the computer as a personal communication tool has given individuals new power in their ability to communicate, gain information, and make decisions. A major paradigm shift has been in the control that the individual now has in a consumer role. The internet has provided consumers a vehicle by which they can actively participate in the decision-making process – from need recognition to post-purchase evaluation. Little research has been done to explore the personality characteristics of internet users.

This study examines one aspect of personality, locus of control, and internet behavior. Research findings reveal substantial differences in internet usage and attitudes between a consumer's internal or external locus of control orientation. Results and future research relative to this study are discussed.
Understanding Query Formation in the Use of Internet Search Engines
Authors: Bandos Jennifer A. , Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

Internet search engine use is notoriously challenging and frustrating to typical users. Most users are inefficient at finding what they are looking for and often give up before achieving their goals. Most commercial search engines have advanced search interfaces that are designed to facilitate increased precision and recall, but users generally avoid these due to poor usability and high perceived difficulty of use. This paper outlines three studies that investigated the strategies and effectiveness of user-generated search queries. Scenarios were formulated to encourage users to construct the single best query for each task. In general, users were unable to construct accurate queries for tasks that required compound logic. Study 1 verified the reluctance of users to use advanced search features. Study 2 investigated the use of Boolean and proximity search commands and capitalization strategies. Participants generally did not use them properly. Study 3 compared the use of basic search with advanced search when users were forced to use each one. Performance was similar but preference measures showed a significant advantage for basic search while confidence was higher for advanced search.
Telecommuting: An Overview of Emerging Macroergonomics Issues
Authors: Robertson Michelle M. , Maynard Wayne S. , Huang Yueng-hsiang E. , McDevitt Jamie R.
Published: January 2012

Advances in information technology are allowing selective employees to work “anywhere” and at “anytime.” The work location for some employees is changing from the traditional corporate office to a virtual work location, such as the home, hotel, airport, shared and satellite office, client office and the car. This trend toward “alternative work styles” and the distributed workforce is likely to continue. As these work styles and virtual workplaces continue to emerge, understanding and designing effective work systems using a macroergonomics perspective is essential to achieve the benefits of distributed work and telecommuting. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the major macroergonomics issues associated with telecommuting. First, we present the literature databases used for this paper, a macroergonomics perspective and model. Next, examples of telecommuting programs, including the organizational structure, implementation process and evaluation strategy are given. A review of the existing empirical research concerning telecommuting and its implications are also discussed. Further, a macroergonomics process for managing the health and safety of telecommuters is described. In summary, a discussion of future telecommuting research and program development using a macroergonomics, work system design approach, is given.
A Macroergonomic Approach to Distributed Team Performance
Authors: Cuevas Haydee M. , Fiore Stephen M. , Salas Eduardo , Bowers Clint A.
Published: January 2012

With the structure of teams in organizations increasing in complexity to include both co-located and distributed team members, explicit linkages between theory and practice are critically needed to mitigate the negative effects that computer-mediated interaction may have on distributed team performance. Following a macroergonomic approach, this paper focuses on describing how theories from organizational psychology can address some of the challenges faced by this small, but growing, subset of teams. Specifically, theories in motivation, group dynamics, and decision making can be applied to offer practical guidelines to foster the development of positive team attitudes (e.g., cohesion, trust) and behaviors (e.g., goal-setting, self-regulation), and successful decision making performance in distributed teams.
Macroergonomic Methods: Interviews and Focus Groups
Authors: Newman Leah C.
Published: January 2012

Both the interviewing and focus group processes have been around and in use as tools for gathering information for decades. For someone who is interested in learning more about people and their experiences, what better way to accomplish this than by speaking directly with an individual or group of individuals? Individual as well as group interviews are windows to an understanding of the behaviors of those being interviewed. Focus groups, specifically, are viewed as a window into the human condition and human interaction. Although, the individual interview is one of the most widely used methods for collecting qualitative data, focus groups have recently gained more popularity among qualitative researchers as a method of choice.
Macroergonomic Analysis and Design (MEAD) of Work System Processes
Authors: Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

The MacroErgonomic Analysis and Design (MEAD) methodology can guide institutional data collection and analysis to determine the risks and causal factors leading to experiments that will help with new design and intervention strategies. To illustrate, the example of reducing slips and falls in health care facilities will be applied. This is an area of collaboration currently between the Macroergonomics Laboratory and the Locomotion Research Laboratory.
Women of color and the selection of IT academic programs
Authors: Brooks C. A.
Published: January 2012

Reasons for the selection of IT fields by women of color were investigated. The factors of interest were high school & college IT courses (defined as math, sciences and computer sciences), GPAs and perceived student-teacher access. The lack of IT field selection was significantly driven by the intensity of math & science requirements. Some of the recommendations to encourage girls' and women's interests in IT fields are mentioned.
A Comparison of the Opinions of Nurses and Emergency Medical Workers regarding Medical Device Usability
Authors: Reed Laurie , Fisher Jennifer
Published: January 2012

In this study critical care nurses and emergency medical workers (including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics) were surveyed regarding their opinions of medical device usability. The goal of the study was to determine how the two populations fared in terms of general product understanding, proficiency, usability, and functionality. Furthermore, the study identified similarities and differences between the two populations, and explored areas of medical technology design upon which manufacturers can improve. Results showed that a major concern of both populations was training; nurses and emergency medical workers felt that workloads do not allow time for sufficient mastery of the devices. The respondents also felt that medical devices could be more consistent and less complex. Both groups indicated that it is most important to design products that are easy to learn, easy to use upon first use, and efficient to use long-term.
Improving Assistive Technologies for the Visually Impaired: Minimizing the Side Effects of Magnification Products
Authors: Hoeft Raegan M. , Buff Wendi L. , Cook Elizabeth , Stanney Kay M. , Wilson Stacy
Published: January 2012

This study focused on determining and minimizing the effects of motion sickness caused by feelings of vection during the use of magnification assistive technology (AT) products by the visually impaired. A prototype was developed that minimized hypothesized causes of vection in current magnification products. Data were collected from respondents to determine their current use, satisfaction and sickness levels when using magnification AT products. Participants then interacted with the prototype and similar data were collected. Results indicated that the prototype significantly reduced feelings of sickness and vection as compared to conventional AT magnification devices. Further research is warranted on other aspects of such devices that may contribute to adverse side effects.
Beliefs and Potential Use of Prescription Drug Information Sources
Authors: Hicks Kevin E. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

In recent years consumers are taking more interest in their health care, including having interest in the prescription drugs they take. This research examined people's beliefs and perceptions about using nine sources of prescription drug information. The sources investigated were: (a) physician, (b) pharmacist, (c) family or friend, (d) manufacturer's web site, (e) second-party web sites, (f) medical reference book, (g) manufacturer's consumer phone number, (h) print ads, and (i) television ads. Two hundred thirteen persons were asked to make ratings of these sources according to (1) the likelihood that they would use each source, (2) perceived ease of use to obtain information from each source, and (3) how complete the information would be in providing prescription drug information. The results indicate that the pharmacist and physician sources were in general given significantly higher ratings across all of three dimensions than all the other sources. The two next highly rated sources were family or friend and manufacturer's web site. Television and print ads were rated the lowest among all of the sources. Implications of these results are discussed with emphasis on the Internet as a growing source of prescription drug information.
Combat Medicine: A Model for Civilian Mass Casualty Managment?
Authors: Holmquist John P. , Barnett John S.
Published: January 2012

Casualty management is vital in combat. Prior to World War I, the wounded soldier's outlook for survival was dismal. However, technological advances of the twentieth-century introduced combat medics, triage, and improved medicines to the front lines, as well as, paramedics, 9-1-1 response, and state and local emergency centers on the home front, reducing pain and saving lives. Emerging technology promises to bring further life-saving techniques to the future battlefield and civilian disasters. With the advent of digital networks and sophisticated information technology, the ability to assist the wounded and evacuate casualties from the combat zone and city emergency areas promises tremendous improvements in casualty management and subsequent patient survival. This paper provides a brief review of the evolution of battlefield medicine and extrapolates how combining applied human factors with emergent digital technology could enhance battlefield and disaster casualty management.