bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Important Attributes in Textbook-Sales Websites: A Lens Model Approach
Authors: Yang Minmin , Tsai Jennifer , Zimmerman Stephanie , Lin Yuzhen
Published: January 2012

Textbook-sales websites have enjoyed increasing popularity in both the U.S. and other countries, and are of particular interest to students. However, no study has been done to identify the specific attributes of these sites that contribute to an ultimate purchasing decision. The current study aims to address this issue through the application of a lens model approach, and to inform the design of future textbook-sales websites. A modified Brunswik lens model using eight cues, four pertaining to commercial website features and four pertaining to usability issues, was generated from the data of 233 U.S. college students, 95 Chinese college students, and six usability experts. Overall, the three groups were found to have similar website judgment policies, weighting product price, site security, and ease of purchase higher than general usability features such as easiness to navigate and aesthetics. Surprisingly, the usability experts did not use the usability attributes in their judgments. However, the small sample size of the usability experts might be a limiting factor in generalizability of this finding. The U.S. and Chinese college students differed in their weightings of the attributes, but generally still had a high agreement in their judgment policies.
Mental Representations Formed from Educational Website Formats
Authors: Cady Elizabeth T. , Raddatz Kimberly R. , Tran Tuan Q. , de la Garza Bernardo , Elgin Peter D.
Published: January 2012

The increasing popularity of web-based distance education places high demand on distance educators to format web pages to facilitate learning. However, limited guidelines exist regarding appropriate writing styles for web-based distance education. This study investigated the effect of four different writing styles on reader's mental representation of hypertext. Participants studied hypertext written in one of four web-writing styles (e.g., concise, scannable, objective, and combined) and were then administered a cued association task intended to measure their mental representations of the hypertext. It is hypothesized that the scannable and combined styles will bias readers to scan rather than elaborately read, which may result in less dense mental representations (as identified through Pathfinder analysis) relative to the objective and concise writing styles. Further, the use of more descriptors in the objective writing style will lead to better integration of ideas and more dense mental representations than the concise writing style.
Comprehension of Haptic Seat Displays for Integrated Driver Warning Systems
Authors: Kochhar Dev S. , Tijerina Louis
Published: January 2012

Twenty-two haptic seat collision warning patterns were evaluated in a non-driving context to identify a smaller set for subsequent testing in a driving context. Different patterns were intended to convey blind spot, lane drift, forward collision, and sharp-curve-ahead warnings. Fifty-four test participants experienced a single 2–3 second exposure to each warning pattern while performing a continuous distraction task in a simulator buck with a haptic cushion. The test participant was surrounded by seven static images of driving conditions, one for each warning. The test participant was asked to report his or her association of the experienced haptic pattern with one of the seven driving conditions. The test participant could also respond “I don't know.” The comprehension of several patterns was as good as or better than that recently reported for visual collision warning symbols (Campbell et. al., 2004). One pattern was found that might serve as an excellent ‘general alert’. Some directionally similar patterns were found to degrade comprehension of patterns previously demonstrated to be well understood.
On-Road Evaluation of an In-Vehicle Curve Warning Device
Authors: McElheny Melinda , Blanco Myra , Hankey Jonathan M.
Published: January 2012

Roadway horizontal curves are the site of numerous crashes and motorist deaths each year. The objective of this study was to determine the most effective curve warning device using on-road performance and subjective evaluation. A baseline no warning condition and two multi-modal warnings were tested by 48 participants at the Virginia Smart Road closed test highway. Both warnings exhibited the same auditory (speech) and visual (Heads-Down Display) stimuli, but one also included a throttle push-back haptic stimulus. Throttle reaction times and brake reaction times were significantly quicker and curve entry speed significantly closer to an advisory speed for participants receiving a warning presentation versus those without a warning presentation. Older drivers reached more appropriate curve entry speeds than younger drivers. Driver risk-taking style was significantly related to age and curve entry speed.
Are Drivers with Small Feet or Long Legs at Greater Risk of Rear end Collisions?
Authors: Boer Erwin R. , de Bruin J. , de Abbink D. , de Ward N.J. , de Manser M.
Published: January 2012

Drivers generally respond to imminent lead vehicle collisions with a rapid foot movement from the gas to the brake pedal. During the transition time from gas to brake pedal the vehicle essentially continues its current speed as the remaining distance to the lead vehicle rapidly decreases. It is therefore critical to understand the mechanisms of foot movement during this transition period and determine if individual differences can effect transition time. We provide support for the hypothesis that transition times are longer for some drivers due to difference in their default foot and leg positioning and concomitant foot movement strategy. It is hypothesized that people with small feet are most constrained in their heel positioning especially in cars with wide pedal separation and that they cannot achieve the same rapid transition time associated with a simple rotation around the heel that people with larger feet can. It is also be hypothesized that taller people are in some cars constrained into a diagonal foot with a bent leg position that forces them to also move their entire leg in order to quickly depress the brake pedal. The difference between these foot plus leg movement strategies compared to simple toe swing around a fixed heel is on the order of 50–100ms which in critical situations can easily mean the difference between avoiding a crash and having an impact velocity of 5m/s.
Design Consideration Tests: Mid-Project Verification and Validation
Authors: Kancler David E. , Curtis Christopher , Burneka Christopher , Bachmann Scott
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the benefits of Design Consideration Tests (DCTs), interim tests conducted during the system development process in order to facilitate appropriate and accurate design decisions which may not have been possible at the outset of the project. The Aircraft Maintenance Intuitive Troubleshooting (AMIT) project serves as an example. AMIT is a United States Air Force funded project with the goal of developing a job aid for the flightline maintenance technician. The project will culminate in a 12-week Field Test at Luke AFB, AZ. While user feedback was collected throughout the development cycle, the AMIT design team reached a point where empirical user performance data was necessary to make several design decisions. A series of design consideration tests (DCTs) were conduced to address issues associated with prompting, collaboration techniques, information input, information retrieval, and electronic logbook format. Though not scheduled as part of the original design process, the DCTs provided definitive design guidance at a cost-effective level.
Participatory Design Methods for Commander's Predictive Environment
Authors: Miller Janet E.
Published: January 2012

To ensure systems provide relevant capability, effort needs to be expended in understanding requirements, designing the appropriate solution, developing the capability and implementing for acceptance. Participatory Design (PD) has a goal of engaging researchers, designers, developers, practitioners and end-users in all of the various activities leading to the successful development and implementation of systems. PD is an umbrella methodology which includes studies, theories, conferences and practices (Muller and Kuhn, 1993; Kensing and Blomberg, 1998; Madsen, 1999). This paper will discuss two methods designed to engage end user in system development which are being used in an AFRL program. The first is Value Elicitation and the second is a Structured Workshop. These sessions, which will re-occur during development, provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to submit and discuss their system requirements. Both add to the PD collection of techniques providing a way to engage the stakeholders from beginning of system development.
Shor and Deside: Evaluating the Effectiveness of ADM Training Using a Flight Simulator
Authors: Li Wen-Chin , Harris Don
Published: January 2012

There were many aeronautical decision-making (ADM) mnemonic-based methods exist. However, there is no empirical research that suggests that they are actually effective in improving decision-making. In this study a short, ADM training course was constructed around two mnemonic methods, SHOR and DESIDE. Forty-one pilots from Republic of China Tactical Training Wing participated: half received a short ADM training course and half did not. Their decision-making skill was evaluated during a series of emergency situations presented in a full-flight simulator on the dimensions of situation assessment, risk management and response time. Significant improvements were noted in the quality of pilots' situation assessment and risk management, however this was usually at the expense of speed of response. The results do strongly suggest, though, that ADM is trainable and is demonstrably effective in improving decision-making.
Limitations of Skill Generalization Beyond Training
Authors: Molesworth Brett R. C. , Wiggins Mark W.
Published: January 2012

Using low-flying as a context, this study was designed to investigate whether risk assessment skills acquired during training would transfer to novel tasks when participants were provided with a reminder as to the similarities between the training flight and a test flight. Forty-five pilots were recruited and were allocated randomly to one of three groups: Hint, no hint, or control. Each pilot completed a training flight in the first week, followed by two test flights in the second week. The test flights required pilots to descend to complete the tasks, and the dependent variable, in each case, was the minimum altitude to which they descended. The results indicated that those pilots who received the reminder maintained a higher mean minimum altitude than those pilots who did not receive the reminder. The results are discussed in terms of the implications for the transfer of training in applied environments.
A Comprehensive Methodology for Assessing Human-Robot Team Performance for Use in Training and Simulation
Authors: De Visser E. , Parasuraman R. , Freedy A. , Freedy E. , Weltman G.
Published: January 2012

New methodologies and quantitative measurements for evaluating human-robot team performance must be developed to achieve effective coordination between teams of humans and unmanned vehicles. The Mixed Initiative Team Performance Assessment System (MITPAS) provides such a comprehensive measurement methodology. MITPAS consists of a methodology, tools and procedures to measure the performance of mixed manned and unmanned teams in both training and real world operational environments. This paper describes MITPAS and the results of an initial experiment conducted to validate the measures and gain insight into the effect of robot competence on operator trust as well as on human-robot team performance.
Stress Appraisals and Training Performance on a Complex Laboratory Team Task
Authors: Gildea Kevin M. , Shebilske Wayne L.
Published: January 2012

Stress appraisal research indicated that those who were challenged by a task outperform those who were threatened by a task. Potential effects of two levels of stress appraisal (Challange-Threat) on training performance were evaluated. Participants were trained on the Dynamic Distributed Decision-making (DDD) task, which models an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) team at a level that a college student can learn within 8 hours. Scenarios were developed for the DDD task that would allow the measurement of team helping behaviors. A significant main effect of stress appraisal was found for both mission outcome measures and for team process measures. These findings pave the way for scientists to increase understanding of stress appraisals and team training as well as for trainers to improve training.
An Experimental Study of the Effect of Out-of-the-Window Cues on Training Novice Pilots on a Flight Simulator
Authors: Khan M. Javed , Rossi Marcia , Heath Bruce , Ali S. Firasat , Ward Marcus
Published: January 2012

Two experiments examined the effects of using out-of-the-window visual cues for training novice pilots to fly two different maneuvers. Visual cues for both experiments consisted of visual hoops on the flight path through which the pilot was to fly if proper parameters were maintained. After training, participants flew a similar but more challenging task without the presence of visual cues. The first experiment examined the use of visual cues vs. no visual cues for training a straight-in-landing approach. There was no statistical difference between the groups on either mean error in alignment or glide slope. The second experiment examined the use of visual cues as well as density of visual cues in training a level 360° turn. In addition, some training flights were flown with the visual cues present while others were flown without the visual cue. Those participants who trained with a lower density of cues performed significantly better than those who trained with no visual cues. The use of visual cues in training novice pilots to fly basic maneuvers is briefly discussed.
Suppressed Perception of Head-Referenced Image Motion during Head Movement
Authors: Adelstein B. D. , Li L. , Jerald J. J. , Ellis S. R.
Published: January 2012

A previous investigation in our laboratory showed that virtual environment users rely on image velocity errors rather than image displacement errors to sense head-tracking latency. In that study, the effect of image displacement error may have been suppressed because its peak amplitudes were associated with higher head velocity, which is thought to suppress visual motion sensitivity. To determine whether diminished motion sensitivity could play a role in user discrimination of latency, we investigated whether subjective perception of image motion comparable to that caused by latency is impaired by concurrent horizontal or vertical head movement. Eight participants monocularly viewed a checkerboard pattern in a head-mounted display that was oscillated from side-to-side with half peak-to-peak amplitudes from 0° to 5.64°. Perceptual sensitivity to image motion amplitude was reduced by almost half, during 30° repetitive horizontal head movements at 0.4 Hz. Accordingly, the reduced sensitivity to motion during head movement appears to be a phenomenon that modulates users' tolerance of erroneous image motion caused by virtual environment latency.
A Study on Driver's Physiological Non-Intrusive Measurement in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Lin Y. , Leng H. , Cai H.
Published: January 2012

For many studies with requirement of high realistic simulation, an immersive virtual environment is preferred. However, the data acquisition methods are usually intrusive in those studies and against the goal of high confidence reality. This paper introduces a smart wheel that is embedded with sensors to non-intrusively investigate a driver's physiological response in virtual environment based driving simulation. In the experiment, a driver's pulse wave is recorded in real-time without interfering the driver's maneuver. The experiment data clearly shows the patterns of the test driver's physiological response in different scenarios of virtual environment.
Older Adults' Health Information Needs and the Effect of the Internet
Authors: Hirth Jessica , Czaja Sara J. , Sharit Joseph
Published: January 2012

Internet-based health information may be particularly beneficial for older adults as this segment of the population is likely to need healthcare information and services and often experiences problems accessing needed services and care. In order to effectively design e-health tools for seniors it is important to understand their health information needs and factors that enhance or impede their ability to use the Internet. Another important issue is to determine if in fact health information needs are satisfied to a greater extent between Internet users and non-users. This study explored these issues using six focus groups comprised of 35 adults aged 50+ ( M = 69.71 years) with varying levels of Internet-based health information-seeking experience. Results indicated that the adults who used the Internet were quite satisfied with finding information from this source; however non-users were also quite satisfied with the more traditional sources that they rely on for health information.
Inferences and Confidence in Warning Texts: The Role of Age and Prior Knowledge
Authors: Adams Anne E. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

Understanding warnings is important, regardless if prior knowledge with respect to such information exists. The goal of the current study was to investigate younger and older adults' ability to draw inferences under different conditions of prior knowledge, and how confident participants were about their decisions. Participants read two-sentence text passages, which either resembled real warnings (real) or were the opposite of real warnings (reversed). Participants evaluated whether information in a given statement was consistent (true) or inconsistent (false) with information given in a text passage. Statements either repeated information explicitly or implied in the text passage. Participants also rated their confidence in the correctness of their answer. Data showed no age-related differences in accuracy when the text passages resembled real warnings. When text passages were reversed, older adults were less accurate than younger adults, yet more confident when inferences were required.
Usability Considerations for a Tower Controller Near-Eye Augmented Reality Display
Authors: Ruffner John W. , Fulbrook Jim E.
Published: January 2012

Although the primary means by which air traffic controllers in airport towers obtain information is by direct head-up, out-the-window (OTW) viewing, they spend a considerable amount of head-down time looking at flight strips, panel-mounted displays, and other information sources in the tower. The U.S. Air Force sponsored the development of a prototype Near-Eye Augmented Reality (NE/AR) display to enhance tower controller performance and situation awareness. The display overlays situation-relevant text (e.g., aircraft call sign) and graphic images (e.g., runway outline), on real-time, head-tracked video imagery. Throughout the development process, we performed usability engineering and assessments using 1) user/task observation, 2) physical mockups, 3) interactive reviews, and 4) early prototype evaluation. In this paper we describe our usability efforts, and discuss usability considerations and human performance issues affecting the functionality and acceptance of a tower controller NE/AR display.
The Effects of Communication Modality and Spatial Processing Load on Distributed Team Performance in a Simulated C2 Environment
Authors: Funke Gregory J. , Galster Scott M.
Published: January 2012

The present study addressed the effects of communication modality and spatial processing load on team performance, workload, and situational awareness. Sixteen people served as paid participants in this study. Teams of two participants competed against a computer opponent in a RoboFlag simulation based on “capture–the–flag”. Participants either could or could not see their teammates' simulated vehicles during a trial, and they could send each other images or annotated images from their RoboFlag display. Results of the experiment indicated that team performance and situational awareness were increased, and team communication and workload were decreased when participants could see teammates' vehicles, and more limitedly, that transmission of spatial information between teammates is facilitated by the ability to communicate that information pictorially. Overall, results support the supposition that distributed team performance may be mediated by spatial processing load.
Expertise, Spatial Ability and Intuition in the Use of Complex Visual Displays
Authors: Smallman Harvey S. , Hegarty Mary
Published: January 2012

In a naturalistic setting, a large group of U.S. Navy forecasters (N=21) performed a weather forecasting task and saved copies of the visual displays that they consulted to complete the task. On the basis of structured interviews with the forecasters, quantitative analysis of the information content of the displays they used, and psychometric measures of their spatial ability, we found two key results. First, forecasters of lower spatial ability populated their forecasting displays with more extraneous meteorological variables than did forecasters of higher spatial ability. Second, we found quantitative support for the previously qualitatively observed trend for more experienced forecasters to exhibit a different temporal pattern of display use. Experienced forecasters tend to consult observations before models, and less experienced forecasters show the reverse trend. This work implies that forecasters of lower spatial ability may benefit from training that teaches them to display only the variables they need to complete a task, and that it may be beneficial to customize forecasting displays to the spatial ability of their users.
Situation Awareness in the Power Transmission and Distribution Industry
Authors: Connors Erik S. , Endsley Mica R. , Jones Lawrence
Published: January 2012

This paper describes active research on situation awareness (SA) as it applies to the power transmission and distribution (T&D) industry. Goal-Directed Task Analysis (GDTA) interviews were conducted with Specialist Reliability Analysis & Operation and Reliability Coordinator/System Operators from two large U.S. power companies to achieve a clear understanding of the power T&D domain. The resulting GDTA and lessons learned are presented.
Work Domain Analysis for the Interface Design of a Sonobuoy System
Authors: Chen Huei-Yen , Burns Catherine M.
Published: January 2012

Modern sonar systems have greatly improved their sensor technology and processing techniques, but little effort has been put into display design for sonar data. The enormous amount of acoustic data presented by the traditional frequency versus time display can be overwhelming for a sonar operator to monitor and analyze. In addition to their normal sonar tasks, sonobuoy system operators manage the deployment of sonobuoys and ensure proper functioning of deployed sonobuoys. This paper describes a work domain analysis carried out as part of an interface design project targeting the sonobuoy system on board a maritime patrol aircraft. The domain of sonobuoy management and the domain of tactical situation awareness were modeled separately to address the two different aspects of the operator's work. Information requirements were drawn from the two models. Some of these requirements have significant implications for new design ideas that were previously overlooked in displays for sonobuoy systems.
Supporting the Cognitive Work of Information Analysis and Synthesis: A Study of the Military Intelligence Domain
Authors: Grossman Justin B. , Woods David D. , Patterson Emily S.
Published: January 2012

Information Analysis and Synthesis (henceforth “IAS”) is a type of cognitive work that plays a key role in many high-performance, complex, and mission-critical domains. These can range from tactical military intelligence to scientific or technological forecasting, business and financial intelligence to national strategic counterterrorism, and include areas as disparate as geopolitical policy analysis to computer network intrusion detection. The specific subject of this study is the military intelligence domain as one instantiation of IAS. Several innovative ethnographic and cognitive task analysis methods were used to observe team-based distributed work done by actual domain practitioners. The main investigative effort took the form of a scaled-world study, leveraging a real world tactical intelligence training exercise as a natural laboratory for investigating the contrasts between weaker and stronger IAS. Specifically, we examined the role of instructors in providing broadening checks to the team analytic process, and mapped the findings to an existing framework.
Knowledge Training versus Process Training: The Effects of Training Protocol on Team Coordination and Performance
Authors: Gorman Jamie C. , Cooke Nancy J. , Winner Jennifer L. , Duran Jasmine L. , Pedersen Harry K. , Taylor Amanda R.
Published: January 2012

Three-person teams controlling a simulated unmanned aerial vehicle underwent different training regimes in order to assess the effect of process-based and knowledge-based training on team coordination and performance. Coordination and performance were assessed during training and eight to eleven weeks after training. Process training consisted of either enforcing a rigid coordination process or forcing teams to coordinate in different ways through the introduction of perturbations. Knowledge training consisted of cross-training teams on each others roles. Results indicate that process training had a significant effect on team coordination. In addition, the qualitative nature of coordination flexibility changed from training to retention for process versus knowledge trained teams, with process teams behaving flexibly at retention. Perturbation process training led to significantly higher team performance under high workload. Rigid process training lead to significantly lower performance in one of the retention missions.
Strategy Selection and Compliance: A Case-Study Using a Thermal-Hydraulic Process Microworld
Authors: St-Cyr Olivier
Published: January 2012

This paper focuses on the third phase of the Cognitive Work Analysis framework: strategies analysis. While CWA outlines the basic characteristics of strategies, little attention has been paid to the issues of strategy selection and compliance. This paper presents experimental data looking at these issues. Forty engineering university students performed a start-up task on a representative thermal-hydraulic process microworld. Participants were divided into two groups, each performing the task with a different graphical user interface. Three different strategies were available to control the simulation: Single, Decoupled, and Full. The only constraints imposed on strategy selection were the physical characteristics of the process simulation. A frequency count for each of the different strategies used by participants was cumulated. Results show a strong preference towards the Decoupled strategy. Results also show significant differences between the two interface groups. These results provided helpful insights on strategy selection and compliance and interface design.
Teaching Usability Methods to Undergraduate Students: Can We Measure Changes in Experience?
Authors: Andre Terence S. , Schurig Margaret A.
Published: January 2012

Instructors at the Air Force Academy recently developed an undergraduate Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) laboratory to teach basic components of HCI concepts to undergraduate students. The objective was to develop a teaching laboratory so that students would gain the necessary experience to conduct usability evaluation on local projects. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in a student's technique of identifying usability problems while using the HCI laboratory. Thirteen students in an undergraduate HCI course participated in the study. During a pre-and post-assessment, we collected several measures in order to quantify any changes experienced by the students as they logged usability problems. These measures included attention focus, number of problems identified, word count, and use of HCI terms in describing usability problems. Results showed that the metrics of number of usability problems identified and the use of HCI technical terms were particularly sensitive to changes over the semester.
Design Specs for a Cognitive Engineering Textbook
Authors: Kirlik Alex
Published: January 2012

This discussion panel will consider whether the time is right for a cognitive engineering textbook and what the ideal specifications for such a text would be. Courses in this area are typically taught using either one of various books focused on a particular approach or perspective, or else multiple books or articles that aim at somewhat broader coverage. The panelists are recognized leaders in cognitive engineering research and education at universities and industry. One important focus of the discussion will be whether the field has matured to a point where some of the barriers that have contributed to the difficulty of creating such a book can now be overcome. These include the need for a systematic and coherent integration and orderly presentation of material in the style required for a true textbook, and a shared or convincing definition of the scope of the field.
Effects of a Dynamic Seat Pan on Torso Movement, Back Comfort, and Task Performance
Authors: Lawler E. , Hedge A.
Published: January 2012

Thirty-six subjects, half with back pain, performed 1-hour sessions, including 3 × 10-minute tasks separated by 2 × 10-minute relaxation tasks, while sitting on both a static seat (SS) and a rotary dynamic seat (DS) at fixed speed. Ss torso movement was greater for the DS condition (p=.000) and while performing active versus passive tasks (p=.000). However, personal comfort measures for postural stability (p<.000), postural instability (p<.003), limitations in writing and typing (p<.001), feelings of nausea (p<.023), and dizziness (p<.024) were worse for the DS condition than for the SS condition. The DS did not significantly affect task performance or back pain. Ss without pre-existing back pain made more negative than positive comments on the chair's motion than those with back pain. Allowing intermittent use of the DS with personal control of the speed of rotation according to task demands and comfort level, may afford some benefits.
Training to Proficiency: Reality v. the Courtroom
Authors: Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of workplace training is to enable workers to successfully perform activities related to their work tasks so that they can satisfy the expectations of the company and its customers. Training objectives often include levels of productivity, effectiveness, and/or safety. Regulatory requirements can also influence training, either by modifying existing training needs or adding new requirements. The success of training programs depends on the design of the training materials, post-training verification and ongoing validation. When workers are trained to proficiency, they remain safe, acceptable products and services are produced, and customers are satisfied. But when disputes lead to lawsuits, the evaluation of training proficiency changes. The determination of responsibility in a courtroom is based on the interpretation of the law by a judge and jury in isolation from the complicated contexts of the real world. The contribution of human factors to this process can provide a significant benefit to the effective resolution of legal proceedings in which the effectiveness of training programs and the proficiency achieved by workers is in question. In fact, human factors insights are critical to the just resolution of these cases. Human factors practitioners are uniquely capable to explain how context affects training requirements and how proficiency should be evaluated in the naturalistic work environment.
Effectiveness of a Warning as Measured by Behavior Change
Authors: Mortimer Rudolf G.
Published: January 2012

Few studies of the effectiveness of warnings have evaluated the extent to which the warning actually affects the behavior that can lead to the hazard. This study provided such an opportunity. It arose because a person was injured while climbing onto a commuter rail platform instead of using the stairs that were at the other end of the platform. It was suggested that a warning may have deterred the hazardous behavior. Persons were observed by video approaching and climbing onto the platform at two stations having similar characteristics as where the accident occurred, both before and after a sign warning of the hazard was erected. Before and after the sign was in place all who approached the end without the stairs climbed onto the platform, even those who clearly looked at the sign. The sign had no effect on changing the behavior.
The Prevention of Laparoscopic Bile Duct Injuries: An Analysis of 300 Cases of from a Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology Perspective
Authors: Stewart Lygia , Way Lawrence W.
Published: January 2012

Application of human factors concepts to high-risk activities has facilitated reduction in human error. With introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incidence of bile duct injury increased. Seeking ideas for prevention, we analyzed 300 laparoscopic bile duct injuries within the framework of human error analysis. The primary cause of error (97%) was a visual perceptual illusion. The laparoscopic environment contributed to 75% of injuries, poor visibility 22%. Most injuries involved deliberate major bile duct transection due to misperception of the anatomy. This illusion was so compelling that the surgeon usually did not recognize it. Even when irregular cues were detected, improper rules were employed, eliminating feedback. Since the complication-causing error occurred at few key steps during laparoscopic cholecystectomy; we instituted focused training to heighten vigilance, and have formulated specific rules to decrease the incidence of bile duct injury. In addition, factors in the laparoscopic environment contributing to this illusion are discussed.
Systems Ambiguity: A Framework to Assess Risks and Predict Potential Systems Failures
Authors: Gurses Ayse P. , Xiao Yan , Seidl Kristin , Vaidya Vinay , Bochicchio Grant
Published: January 2012

To be a high-reliability organization, organizations need to continually assess risks and predict potential failures before even they actually occur. In this paper, we present a new method to uncover and assess risks and failures embedded in a work system: systems ambiguity framework. We define systems ambiguity as uncertainty or vagueness that may prevent a work system from achieving its purpose. We identified five main types of ambiguity in a work system: task ambiguity, responsibility ambiguity, expectation ambiguity, method ambiguity, and exception ambiguity. Examples for each type of ambiguity are provided from a qualitative study aimed at identifying the underlying causes of non-compliance to evidence based guidelines in intensive care units. We argue that systems ambiguity framework can be used alone or in conjunction with well-known risk assessment methods (e.g., root cause analysis, failure modes and effects analysis) to uncover systems failures both reactively and proactively.
Developing a Preoperative Briefing Protocol for Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Henrickson Sarah E. , Suther Thomas , Wiegmann Douglas
Published: January 2012

Objective: Design a protocol for conducting preoperative briefings within the context of cardiovascular surgery. Method: A combined questionnaire and semi-structured focus group approach involving four subspecialties of surgical staff (n = 47) was conducted to gather information concerning (1) attitudes towards preoperative briefings, (2) logistical issues related to the conduct and content of briefings and (3) potential barriers that might impede implementation. Results: Analyses revealed consensus among surgical staff concerning briefing benefits (majority were very positive), duration (< 10 min), location (in the OR), content (procedure, patient, and equipment issues) and potential barriers (staff availability, attitudes, case scheduling, and lack of resources). Differences in opinions arose concerning timing of the brief (e.g., before vs. after patient enters OR) and the role of key participants. Discussion: A prototype checklist for conducting preoperative briefings was developed based on these results. Additional research is needed to implement and validate its effectiveness.
Coding and Visualizing Eye Tracking Data in Simulated Anesthesia Care
Authors: Segall Noa , Taekman Jeffrey M. , Mark Jonathan B. , Hobbs Gene , Wright Melanie C.
Published: January 2012

Eye tracking can be a valuable tool for collecting data about perception and attention in task performance, but its use in human factors research has been limited. This may be due to the fact that the coding and visualization of eye tracking data can be difficult and time-consuming. In this paper we introduce a video-coding application for coding and analyzing eye tracking data. We discuss various methods for visualizing these data for the purposes of identifying patterns or trends that can then be more formally analyzed. We also present several visualization examples from the simulated anesthesia care environment.
Computational GOMSL Modeling towards Understanding Cognitive Strategy in Dual-Task Performance with Automation
Authors: Kim Sang-Hwan , Kaber David B. , Perry Carlene M.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the use of a computational cognitive model for describing human performance with an adaptively automated system, with and without advance cueing of control mode transitions. A dual-task piloting simulation was developed to collect human performance data under auditory cueing or no cueing of automated or manual control. GOMSL models for simulating user behavior were constructed based on a theory of increased memory transactions at mode transitions. The models were applied to the same task simulation and scenarios performed by the humans. Comparison of results on human and model output demonstrated the model to be generally descriptive of performance; however, it was not accurate in predicting timing of memory use in preparing for manual control. Interestingly, the human data didn't reveal differences between cued and no cue trials. A refined GOMSL model was developed by modifying assumptions on the timing and manner of memory use, and considering human parallel processing in dual-task performance. Results revealed the refined model to be more plausible for representing behavior. Computational cognitive modeling appears to be a viable approach to represent operator performance in adaptive systems.
Internet-Based Error Reporting Systems: Usability is Power
Authors: Resnick Marc
Published: January 2012

Error reporting systems have been around for many decades, in domains such as aerospace, with great success. In contrast, domains such as health care have resisted broad-based systems, due in part to cultural issues and fear of litigation. A recurring issue in the development of all of these systems is usability. Usability affects the development, growth, usage, and sustainability of error-reporting systems in many ways. As these systems migrate to the Internet and become more broadly accessible, usability will become a dominant factor in system success. Whether the system is publicly accessible, Intranet-based behind a company firewall, or semi-private and managed through a government agency or non-governmental organization, some usability issues will apply to all systems and others will shift in importance. This paper applies an existing knowledge management model to the analysis of error reporting systems, highlighting the significant impact and necessity of usability on the success of error-reporting systems, using examples from a variety of domains.
The Effects of Emotional Intelligence on Visual Search of Emotional Stimuli and Emotion Identification
Authors: Fellner Angela N. , Matthews Gerald , Funke Gregory J. , Emo Amanda K. , Zeidner Moshe , Pérez-González Juan Carlos , Roberts Richard D.
Published: January 2012

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to competencies in processing and managing emotion that may be important in security settings; facial emotions may betray criminals and terrorists. This study tested the hypothesis that high EI relates to superior detection and processing of facial emotion, in relation to two tasks: controlled visual search for designated facial emotions, and identification of micro-expressions of emotion. Participants completed scales for EI, as well as cognitive intelligence, personality, and coping. EI failed to predict performance on either task, contrary to the initial hypothesis. However, performance related to higher cognitive intelligence, the personality trait of openness, and use of task-focused coping. These measures related to faster visual search, and to greater accuracy in detecting facial micro-expressions. Practical considerations suggest selecting security agents who are high in conventional rather than emotional intelligence, and training use of task-focused coping. However, EI may be useful for selecting stress-tolerant agents.
Revisiting an Old Question with a New Technology: Gender Differences on a Neuro-Cognitive Temporal Tracking Task
Authors: Rice Valerie J. , Butler Jenny
Published: January 2012

Gender differences exist, but the strength and importance of those differences is debatable. This study examined differences in performance among men (n = 64) and women (n = 56) on 14 neuro-cognitive temporal tasks. No adult norms exist for these tasks. Therefore, the goals were to 1) record and compare scores achieved by men and women, and 2) investigate differences in terms of performance (grade point average and physical fitness score) during Army Health Care Specialist Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Descriptive statistics and t-tests identified and compared scores by gender, while IM scores and performance relationships were explored with Pearson product-moment correlations and regression analysis. Men's temporal responses were closer to the reference beat than women's on 14.3% of tasks (p < 0.05). There were no significant relationships between temporal responses and physical fitness performance scores and only two correlations between temporal responses and grade point average (right hand tapping, Task Average and Super Right On (percent within ±15ms of the target beat) ( r = 0.189, p = 0.04; and r = 0.20, p = 0.03). While this research upheld findings of differences between men and women in temporal abilities, the differences did not impact functional performance during AIT.
Office chairs are often not adjusted by end-users
Authors: Vink P. , Porcar-Seder R. , de Pozo Álvaro Page , Krause F.
Published: January 2012

To find out how many office workers adjust their chairs, 350 office workers in Spain and the Netherlands are observed and questioned on whether they adjust their chairs. It appears that 24% of 236 Spanish office workers and 61% of 100 Dutch subjects never adjust their chair. If the chair is adjusted, it concerns mostly the seat height. Except for the seat height, other adjustment possibilities are not used by the majority of the study population. Reasons for not adapting could be awareness, complexity of the control system and expected effects.
Usability Impact on Effectiveness of Parental Controls
Authors: McFarlin Leslie A. , Buffardi Kevin J. , Schumacher Robert M.
Published: January 2012

Parental controls are tools that enable guardians to protect their children from exposure to material they deem inappropriate. This paper details our study of parents and their children on their ability to configure parental controls on entertainment and communication devices. We discovered considerable difficulty on behalf of both parents and children in setting up parental controls on most devices. Additionally, we observed a discrepancy between participants' confidence in successfully setting the parental controls and their actual performance.
Perceived Hazard for Images Depicting before and during Consequences with Two Kinds of Prohibition Symbols
Authors: Ribar N. , Wogalter M. S. , Mayhorn C. B.
Published: January 2012

This research examined the connoted danger level for symbols varying on type of prohibition symbol and depictions showing before- or during-injury consequences. One prohibition symbol was a red circle with a diagonal slash intended to show that the depicted event within the circle should not be performed. A similar, but less commonly used, prohibition symbol is the red circle without the slash. In the present research, 96 participants evaluated a set of symbols on two risk perception scales. Eight of the symbols viewed were manipulated with respect to a base concept depicting before- or during-injury consequences and type of prohibition. The results showed the symbols depicting during-consequence (injury) events produced significantly higher ratings than images showing before-consequence events. Symbols with a circle-slash prohibition were rated higher than the circle-alone prohibition, but only for some of the images. Symbols with both the prohibition circle-slash and during-consequences image tended to produce the highest ratings. In general, scoring participants' written interpretation of the symbols was relatively high for the manipulated images and did not differ as a function of condition. Very few critical confusions were noted (less than 5%) indicating, for example, no apparent confusions of “double negatives” when combining the during-injury consequences and the circle-slash prohibition symbol. More people expressed a negative (don't, no, not, or do not) in the verbal responses for images with the circle-slash prohibition symbol than with the circle-alone prohibition. Results and implications are discussed.
Do You See What I See? Effects of Communication on Scanning Strategies in Change Detection by Individuals and Teams of Observers
Authors: Knott Camilla C. , Nelson W. Todd , McCroskey Megan K. , Miller Brent T.
Published: January 2012

Change blindness results from the absence of attention from the source of a change. Unsurprisingly, change blindness worsens in dual task and high workload conditions. Such is the environment in which teams of operators in military command and control missions operate, yet little is known about change blindness susceptibility in these conditions. A flicker task required individuals and dyads to detect changes under high and low task difficulty. Reaction time, accuracy, and eye movements were examined. Scan path analyses showed that communicating dyads were more efficient at change detection than individuals and non-communicating dyads, but are just as blind to no change. Eye movement data also indicate differences in attention allocation and scan strategies among individuals, communicating, and non-communicating dyads. Implications for adaptive aids and tasks such as tactical command and control are discussed.