bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How a New Instrument Affects Pilots' Mental Workload
Authors: Harris Randall L. , Tole John R. , Ephrath Arye R. , Stephens A. Thomas
Published: January 2012

Display evaluation has generally been performed using reaction time experiments or subjective evaluations to determine which display is better suited for a particular application. A new testing procedure combined with two analysis techniques of scanning behavior have been used to evaluate two alternative display designs in a realistic setting. Tests were conducted in the Langley Research Center's General Aviation Simulator. The results indicated that a new bargraph type of vertical speed indicator located between the attitude indicator and the altimeter is looked at more quickly, appears to lower cognitive workload slightly, and was preferred over a conventional vertical speed indicator.
The Impact of Noise on Performance in the Work Environment
Authors: Knirk Frederick G. , Knirk Patricia J.
Published: January 2012

The more technology we employ to enhance the quality of our personal and professional lives, the more noise we seem to produce. The effects of this on us, both mentally and physically, can be great. In addition to the aggravation and headaches we have all experienced due to noise while working, noise can be utilized as a positive force in increasing morale and performance, or ignored and become a potential source of physical and psychological harm.
Use of Panel Enhancements as Operator Aids in Nuclear Power Plant Control Rooms
Authors: Weiss Candace
Published: January 2012

Topical panel enhancement techniques were designed and implemented for one nuclear power plant control room. Panel enhancements designed and implemented effectively can be good operator aids for the searching and identifying of plant instrumentation, and in processing of information. This paper discusses the purpose for providing operator aids through topical panel enhancements, and the constraints and methodology used in designing and implementing three panel enhancement techniques.
A Comparison of Manual and Vocal Response Modes for the Control of Aircraft Systems
Authors: Aretz Anthony J.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to determine how a vocal response mode compared to a manual response mode for data entry in a fighter cockpit simulator. Specifically, both vocal and manual response modes were compared in single and dual task conditions on the basis of pilot flight performance, response time, and errors while accomplishing several communication, navigation, and weapons tasks. The results indicated that the manual response mode was more effective than the vocal response mode in terms of response time data; however, the vocal response mode was more effective in terms of flying performance data.
Incidence and Patterns of Product Related Accidents among the Elderly
Authors: Czaja Sara J. , Hammond Katka , Drury Colin G.
Published: January 2012

Accidental deaths and injuries involving consumer products and environments represent a major health hazard and cost to the nation. Among persons of all ages, accidents are the leading cause of death. Previous research into the causes of accidents has generally not been age specific but the present study, recognizing that the elderly incur a high rate of accidental injuries and fatalities (a death rate more than twice that of the population at large), has selected and analyzed the available empirical data to substantiate the seriousness of product-related accidents for people over age 55.

The data sources used in this study were provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They included: computerized data on the number and severity of injuries (the National Electronic Surveillance System or NEISS); narrative detailed descriptions of accidents with selected products (the In-Depth Investigations or IDIs); and computerized death certificate data.

Criteria for selection were developed and the 49 most hazardous products for people over 55 were identified using the NEISS data and ranked. Using five-year increments for age 55 and up, hazardous products were ranked again. Floors and flooring materials, for example, appeared as one of the two most hazardous product categories, both for all elderly people as well as individual five-year spans. The 49 products were then ranked by accident cost (developed from CPSC's Injury Cost Model). Again, from a national estimate for emergency room treated injuries, floors and flooring materials rank second in cost after stairs and steps followed by foods, lawn mowers, ladders, bathtubs and showers among other products.

In order to understand the accidents' etiology, hazard patterns have been constructed, describing major patterns of accidents common to the elderly. In addition, for the highest priority cost or highest priority accidents, a more detailed human factors analysis has been performed in order to describe the causes of these accidents.
Vibroacoustic Habitability of Space Stations
Authors: Stephens David G. , Willshire Kelli F. , Chambers Randall M. , McCauley Michael E. , Guignard John C. , Pearsons Karl S. , Johnson Daniel L.
Published: January 2012

To insure efficient utilization of the system, space station design and operations will require special habitability considerations for the occupants and crew because of the relatively long duration missions. Of particular concern is the environment in which the personnel will live and work, and how it affects both the performance and comfort of the occupants. The vibroacoustic aspect of that environment is the subject of this forum session.

Although noise and vibration exposure criteria have been developed for earth-based work and living situations, several factors make the application of these criteria questionable in the context of space station design and operation. The interior noise and vibration environment of a space station is different in level and frequency than a comparable earth-based system. Complicating factors associated with reduced gravity, long duration and confinement are not included in existing criteria. In applying the criteria to space system designs, these factors either have been neglected or considered unimportant. The need for improved habitability is evidenced by physical and subjective assessments of previous missions. Astronauts have reported sleep interference, communication interference, distraction, and general annoyance as noise related complaints.

The goal of the discussion is to establish, as Human Factors Specialists, where we are; what we should consider; and what the problems are as well as possible approaches and solutions. In other words, the aim is to stimulate thinking about space station vibroacoustic habitability that could ultimately lead to new research and technology in this area. Effects of the vibroacoustic environment on performance, hearing, communication, sleep, health, and annoyance will be discussed, as well as the results of interactions between the vibroacoustic environment and duration, weightlessness, and confinement.
Research Issues in Training Device Design
Authors: Hays Robert T. , Singer Michael J.
Published: January 2012

The Army Research Institute (ARI) has an ongoing research program to systematically accumulate the data necessary to provide design guidance for the development of training simulators. As part of this research program, an extensive literature review was conducted. On the basis of this literature review, a series of research questions, which require empirical investigation was accumulated. This presentation is designed to bring these research issues to the largest possible audience. The goal of this paper is to sensitize researchers to the types of questions that have the highest payoff for the Army and the training community. The research questions are organized around a model of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process. Each ISD section is further subdivided into specific subareas where empirical research is needed.
The Effect of An Internal Model on Subsequent Learning
Authors: Eberts Ray E.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the learning performance on a discrete second order control task between an experienced group of subjects, who had generated both accurate and inaccurate internal models through prior experience, to a group of subjects who had little prior experience and no model of the system dynamics. The 48 subjects were divided into six groups of eight subjects each. Three of the groups, the experienced groups, had previous training in a continuous control task and the other three groups, the no experience groups, had only a few trials on the continuous control task. The results showed that all three experienced groups learned the new discrete task faster than the no experience groups; the no experience groups actually got slightly worse with practice. It was concluded that an internal model, even an inaccurate one, provides a reference for subjects which can be used to analyze and improve their performance.
The Assessment of Workload: Dual Task Methodology
Authors: Fisk Arthur D. , Derrick William L. , Schneider Walter
Published: January 2012

The present paper outlines three major assumptions often implicitly assumed in dual task experiments conducted to assess operator workload. These assumptions are shown to be incorrect. Three criteria which should be met in dual task experiments that draw inferences from secondary task decrements are discussed. An experiment, meeting the proposed criteria, was conducted which demonstrated that when the criteria are met secondary task performance can be predictive of primary task difficulty. However, the data also indicate that a simple assessment of effort alone will not predict total task performance.
Management Strategies for the Design, Control and Operation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Hwang Sheue-Ling , Sharit Joseph , Salvendy Gavriel
Published: January 2012

The roles of the supervisor in computerized process control and computerized discrete part manufacturing are compared. Research strategies aimed at understanding the decision processes of the operator in supervising flexible manufacturing systems are outlined and methodologies for assessing the optimal allocation of functions between the human and computer in flexible manufacturing systems are discussed.
Analysis of Jobs for Control of Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Authors: Armstrong T. , Joseph B. , Lifshitz Y. , Woolley C.
Published: January 2012

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, and strains are a common health problem among people who perform repetitive work with their hands. Repeated exertions and movements with certain hand postures, stresses on the surface of the hand and arm, vibrations, low temperatures, and use of gloves all have been identified as factors of CTD. To facilitate identification of these factors, a job analysis procedure based on traditional work measurement techniques was developed. Jobs are first divided into sequences of acts or elements; postures, forces, and other physical factors associated with each element then are determined. This process is facilitated by a video tape system that is used to film the job and can be played back in slow motion. A microcomputer is used to facilitate recording and storage of element sequences. Surface electromyograms of the medial forearm are calibrated and recorded on videotape for estimation of forces exerted with the hand. Finally, recommendations for control of CTD are based on identification of stressful elements.
Model-Based Estimation and Prediction of Task-Imposed Mental Workload
Authors: Madni Azad M. , Lyman John
Published: January 2012

Mental workload has been an area of intensive research for better than a decade. One specific area of interest in aircrew related workload research is concerned with the development of quantitative indices of workload in aircraft piloting tasks. This paper presents a model-based approach for quantifying mental workload in operational terms. The suggested modelling framework is based on an interpreted Petri net characterization of a task in which “places” are equated to specific task-related activities and “transitions” are viewed as internal or external forcing events. It is shown that within this framework quantitative assessments can be made of both cumulative and instantaneous workload associated with the performance of a task and its individual component subtasks. It is suggested that insights gained from analyzing task-specific workload within this modelling paradigm can suggest plausible explanations for reconciling discrepancies between subjectively elicited workload estimates and behavioral/performance measures.
Measuring Pilot Workload in a Moving-Base Simulator: I. Asynchronous Secondary Choice-Reaction Task
Authors: Kantowitz Barry H. , Hart Sandra G. , Bortolussi Michael R.
Published: January 2012

The de facto method for measuring airplane pilot workload is based upon subjective ratings. While researchers agree that such subjective data should be bolstered by using objective behavioral measures, results to date have been mixed. No clear objective technique has surfaced as the metric of choice. We believe this difficulty is in part due to neglect of theoretical work in psychology that predicts some of the difficulties that are inherent in a futile search for the one and only best secondary task to measure workload. An initial study that used both subjective ratings and an asynchronous choice-reaction secondary task was conducted to determine if such a secondary task could indeed meet the methodological constraints imposed by current theories of attention. Two variants of a flight scenario were combined with two levels of the secondary task. Appropriate single-task control conditions were also included. Results give grounds for cautious optimism but indicate that future research should use synchronous secondary tasks where possible.
Glare and Night Vision Impairment in Corrective Lens Wearers
Authors: Freivalds Andris , Harpster Jeffrey L. , Heckman Lisa S.
Published: January 2012

Glare sensitivity, night vision and glare recovery measures on a night-driving vision tester were collected on 60 students, of whom 34 had uncorrected vision, 18 wore corneal contact lenses and 8 wore spectacles. An analysis of variance disclosed significant decrements in glare sensitivity and night vision for those with corrected vision. Further analysis with a pairwise comparison on contact and spectacle wearers showed hard contact lenses to be worst, followed by soft contact lenses and spectacles. A concern for the ability and safety of corrective lens wearers during nicht driving is indicated.
The Human Factors of Sport — A Review
Authors: Catalano J. F. , Hancock P. A.
Published: January 2012

The present review concerns certain Human Factors aspects of sport activities. Particular emphasis is given to evaluating experimental work in which the relationship between equipment design and performance capability has been examined. The criterion for inclusion in the current synthesis was the use of a cognitive or behavioral measure as a dependent variable in an empirical investigation. Although this excludes studies reporting physiological parameters, it is not to say such work may not form an important element of any future review. Where possible research was grouped according to some common theme or topic. In addition, the potential benefits of a cohesive study of Human Factors in sport are briefly outlined.
The Effect of Screen Boundary, Familiarity, and Data Type on User's Decision to Scroll or Window
Authors: Happ Alan J. , Lewis James R
Published: January 2012

When confronted with the task of moving information on a CRT display, what factors affect the decision to use a window or scroll method? This experiment examined 79 users' decisions to scroll or window based on the type of data, pattern, and movement on a CRT display. Subjects with experience in the control of data on a display preferred to scroll. A significantly greater proportion of users chose to scroll when they were familiar with the pattern displayed and when the movement was constrained within the boundary of the screen. The type of movement also significantly affected the time required to indicate whether the movement was due to scrolling or windowing.
Groups at Work: A Sociotechnical View
Authors: Robinson Gordon H. , Peterson James G.
Published: January 2012

The semi-autonomous work group and the quality circle are examined as sociotechnical systems in regard their purposes, specific functions carried out for themselves and the organization, their relationships to relevant technical systems and the organization's culture.
Human Factors in Support of the Coast Guard Advanced Marine Vessels Test and Evaluation Effort
Authors: Jones D. Todd
Published: January 2012

During the past two (2) years the U. S. Coast Guard's Office of Research and Development has conducted numerous operational evaluations of “advanced marine vessels” (AMV). Among these are:

Small Wetted Area Twin Hull (SWATH); Hydrofoil; and Surface Effect Ships (SES).

This paper outlines the broad-based human factors RDT&E effort to support Coast Guard AMV test and evaluation needs to: Improve existing AMV vessel designs and vessel systems through Human Factors Engineered systems designs, Examine and assess AMV concepts and key subsystems to determine man/ machine problems and possible solutions, Develop, if necessary, new capabilities to monitor, control, and correct Human Factors Engineering problems uncovered during further AMV tests and evaluations, and Test and evaluate new and existing AMVs and technology systems and subsystems to determine their impact on the man/ machine interface.

The generation and distribution of new and available HFE technical data to the AMV T&E team (and vessel designers/ users) as necessary, aid to the AMV T&E team (and the user) in the integration of HFE technology to the AMV end product represent key deliverables of this research effort.

This research does not address a single marine vehicle, system concept, or Coast Guard program, but is structured to provide the framework for identifying, developing, assessing, and disseminating human factors technology in support of the AMV test and evaluation program. Current research efforts and results will be discussed.
Use of Low Cost, Low Fidelity Mockups for Preproduction Testing
Authors: Bohn Carole A.
Published: January 2012

The new technologies proposed and/or retrofitted into Navy crewstations have demonstrated increasing sophistication and flexibility. Additionally, the crewstation technologies have shown very rapid development cycles. The current approach of reliance solely on flight testing has proven inadequate because of the multitude of equipment operating modes, lack of experimental control of situational variables, possible location/placement of components, variety of operational environments, dynamic crew tasking, and control/display technology unique characteristics. Test methods and relevent criteria are lacking. A quick fix is the use of low fidelity mockups for rapid testing and methods development. Such an approach can be both effective with respect to test dollars and responsive to the dynamics of the control/display development cycle. The present paper discusses the use of the low fidelity simulation in two specific developments. The first example presents the design of formats for a universal control/display layout to be used as a replacement for conventional pushbutton technology. The second example presents testing designed to determine the amount and type of control/display required for a crewstation functional upgrade. Both examples are from the test and evaluation work being performed on Navy patrol aircraft. Finally, a laboratory will be described which is being developed to permit this approach to testing.
A Multidimensional Scaling Approach to the Studies of Facial Perception
Authors: Denis Gaetan St. , Wang Tsai-Guey , Russ Eileen E. , Tsao Yao-Chung
Published: January 2012

Twenty facial photos of Caucasian men were simultaneously presented to the subject. On each trial, one of the photos was chosen as a reference to be compared with the remaining 19. The subject was to place them on a 5-foot spatial scale based on the judged similarity between the reference and each of the remaining photos. Similarity distances were recorded. There were 20 trials per subject. Data from eight raters were then analyzed by the use of SINDSCAL. Of the 10 dimensions from the SINDSCAL analysis, four had significant correlations with mustache, hair length, hair shade and chin curve. The other five were substantially accounted for by subsets of the facial features. This technique is considered to be useful and complementary to the feature-oriented approach.
Measurement of VDT Operator Performance, Eye Scanning Behavior and Pupil Diameter Changes
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T.
Published: January 2012

This exploratory study investigated the performance, the eye scanning behavior and the pupil diameter of three VDT operators (experienced typists) on three different days for three hours each day. A Gulf & Western, Applied Science Laboratory 1998 computer controlled eye monitor system was used to collect and analyze the eye scanning and pupil diameter data. A data entry task and a file maintenance/editing task (previously developed and used by NIOSH) were used.

The results of this exploratory study indicate that the percentage of time the VDT operators look at the screen are rather low for both tasks (avg. 14.4% looking at the screen for the data entry task, avg. 34.1% looking at the screen for the file maintenance/editing task).

Based upon the results of this exploratory study we may conclude that the percentage of time an operator looks at the screen for both a data entry and a file maintenance/editing task is relatively small and thus there is a question whether the many reported complaints about eye troubles such as eye strain, eye pain, and irritated eyes are really caused by the screen itself or are actually due to highly rigid and monotonous job tasks, the overall VDT work station design, postural, environmental, psychological, and social factors.
Conflict Resolution Maneuvers during near Miss Encounters with Cockpit Traffic Displays
Authors: Palmer Everett
Published: January 2012

This experiment investigated the benefits and liabilities associated with pilots use of a cockpit traffic display to assess the threat posed by other air traffic, and if necessary, to make small maneuvers to avoid situations which would otherwise result in collision avoidance advisories. The main experimental variables were the amount of and quality of the information that was displayed on the intruder aircraft's estimated future position. The crew's task was to fly a simulation of a wide body aircraft along a straight course at a constant altitude. Intruder aircraft appeared on a variety of converging trajectories. When the intruder was 60 seconds from the point of closest approach, the pilots were to maneuver so as to maintain a horizontal separation of at least 1.5 nm or a vertical separation of 500 ft. With this separation a CLIMB or DIVE collision avoidance advisory would not be triggered. As a secondary objective, the pilots were instructed to attempt to stay within 500 ft and 1.5 nm of their assigned route. The results show that the pilots could usually make maneuvers that would provide the specified separation but that in doing so they often made course deviations greater than 1.5 nm or 500 ft.
Tactile Inspection Performance with and without Gloves
Authors: Desai Siddharth , Konz Stephan
Published: January 2012

A firm whose inspectors tactually inspected hydraulic hose was interested whether gloves would help or hinder their inspectors. Eight female subjects, while blindfolded, each inspected 600 hoses–150 for each of the four glove conditions (bare hand, surgeon's gloves, Playtex gloves, and vinyl-impregnated gloves). The subjects indicated whether the hose was acceptable, defective due to diameter, or defective due to surface roughness. The data was divided into that obtained when the hoses were acceptable and that when there was a defect.

For good hoses, gloves did not affect error rate for either diameter defects or surface defects. For defective hoses, gloves did not affect error rate for either diameter defects or surface defects. Thus the decision whether or not to wear gloves can be made on other criteria (such as protection of the hand vs abrasion or chemicals). A signal detection analysis was made. Some other ergonomic suggestions for improved inspection performance are given.
Heating Pads: Human Factors Traps for Designers and Users
Authors: Jahns Dieter W.
Published: January 2012

Every year substantial amounts of property damage and numerous personal injuries result from failures of electric heating pads. This is a paradoxical situation considering that the intended product-function relates to the simple, safe, and reliable therapeutic application of heat to the human body. An investigation was conducted to determine whether traditional engineering criteria and human factors criteria were in conflict in the design of heating pads. The investigation revealed that the designers of heating pads have a tendency to overcome problems in hardware reliability by specifying how humans should behave relative to their product. Even heating pads that are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed contain user instructions which are unlikely to be followed under circumstances of normal use.

The paper summarizes the functional design of heating pads, current instructions for their use, and applicable human factors considerations. An alternate approach to heating pad design is proposed which, if implemented, should prevent us from trading-in our heating pads for hot-water bottles. Beyond that, however, the paper serves as an example of how the application of human factors engineering principles can serve the goals of product safety and liability prevention.
A Methodology for Structuring the Logic of Interaction in Human Terms
Authors: Roach John
Published: January 2012

Creating systems that contain “simple” and “clear” logical sequences is an art, perhaps even an accident, rather than a well-understood science. In this paper we apply artificial intelligence techniques to create systems with a very fluid, dynamic problem-solving structure to prevent rigid, inflexible logical sequencing. The rules employed to explore the problem space are modelled after experts who routinely solve problems in the task domain. The design of an example system, an airline reservation system, is discussed as a domain in which problem-solving techniques can substantially aid the user of the system (a reservation agent) to find better answers for clients in less time.
Structured Evaluation of Computer-Based Training Systems
Authors: Gardenier John S. , Hammell Thomas J. , Gynther James W.
Published: January 2012

The U. S. Coast Guard must, under the Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978, establish standards for “qualification for licenses by use of simulators for the practice or demonstration of marine-related skills.” These standards will involve granting partial credit toward licenses for “approved” simulator training. Research has produced approval guidelines for ship simulator courses for merchant marine deck officers and cadets to become third mates. These documents may also help training designers and/or may be used by industry personnel shopping around for simulator training. The result is a robust, but user-friendly evaluation guide. The basic rationale can be adapted to other specific subject-student categories.
An Analysis of the Use of Computer-Based Office Support Tools: User Characteristics and Usage Patterns
Authors: Tammaro Susan G.
Published: January 2012

Computer-based office support tools are being introduced to an increasing number of people in an increasing number of environments. It is important to understand who is using these tools, how they are using them, and the impact of this usage. A set of user-oriented applications is available at MITRE via MENUS, a system that enables users to access office support tools through a menu driven interface. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MENUS menu system, two types of data were collected: questionnaires were sent to all new MENUS users and interviews were conducted with people who had been using MENUS for at least one month. The way MENUS applications are used and their perceived importance are described. Almost all of the applications are used, with varying degrees of frequency. Some are very useful and should probably be included in any “electronic office system;” some are not so useful. To date, MENUS has not had as large an impact on our corporation as it might. Reasons for this and suggestions for improving MENUS effectiveness are given.
A Computer Aided Workstation Assessor for Crew Operations - Wostas
Authors: Pulat Babur Mustafa
Published: January 2012

WOSTAS is the first module in a Multi-Man-Machine Work Area Design and Evaluation System - MAWADES. WOSTAS is an interactive program aimed at grouping and/or subdividing crew activities in such a way that all job stations have a fairly equal amount of work in terms of the time to perform the tasks. Being a network based model, WOSTAS accepts mission oriented task requirements, and generates suggested total number of workstations and the tasks to be carried out at each station.
Methodology for Estimating Transfer of Training Functions
Authors: Bateman Robert P. , Hottman Stephen B.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a methodology for estimating the percent of transfer of training from a simulator to a real system. The methodology is not a substitute for calculating actual transfer of training when a simulator is available and there is an opportunity to conduct evaluations of a control group and experimental groups of students. Its purpose is to provide an estimate of the training value of a proposed simulator. While the methodology has been used, validation data will not be available until a simulator is fabricated and an experiment is conducted. The sample data used for heuristic presentation has been created for use in this paper, and the situation calling for a simulator does not necessarily reflect a real-world need.
Warning Messages: Will the Consumer Bother to Look?
Authors: Godfrey Sandra S. , Allender Laurel , Laughery Kenneth R. , Smith Victoria L.
Published: January 2012

One way to encourage the safe use of potentially hazardous household products is to provide a warning message on the label. But will the consumer bother to look at the message? In Experiment 1 subjects were asked to imagine themselves purchasing a number of household products. They then rated the products on skin-contact hazard, inhalation hazard, swallowing hazard and overall hazard. They also rated the likelihood that they would look for a warning and how familiar they were with the product. In Experiment 2 more detailed information about familiarity with products was collected along with hazard ratings. Together the results of the two experiments indicate that subjects do discriminate products on overall hazard. They also rate skin contact hazard lowest, inhalation hazard intermediate and swallowing hazard highest. The more hazardous they perceive a product, the more likely they will look for a warning. Further, females are more likely to look for warnings than males. Also, perceived hazard varies inversely with familiarity. The principal conclusion is that factors such as perceived hazard, familiarity and sex influence the consumer's decision to look for a warning message on the labels of potentially hazardous household products.
Model Analysis of the Efficacy of Advanced Flight Deck Display Concepts
Authors: Milgram Paul , Wewerinke Paul
Published: January 2012

The application of mathematical models of the functioning of pilots with respect to cockpit instrumentation is briefly discussed, in light of the progress which has been made towards the wedding of our existing knowledge about the control and decision-making capabilities of (well-trained) human operators with our ability conveniently to formulate and thus quantify, on the basis of perceptual cues and psychophysical limitations, the information content of various display concepts. This (relatively new) human engineering tool is expected to play a major role in the designing of future flight deck displays whose inevitable implementation will be made possible by the technical advances presently being made in digital avionics. One consequence of this technology is the tendency towards almost completely automated flight, whereby the role of the pilot is evolving from a system regulator to a system supervisor. It is therefore incumbent upon our modelling “technology” to be able to predict not only manual control performance and workload but the human operator's monitoring and failure detection behaviour as well. These considerations form the motivation in this presentation for a predictive analysis, using optimal control and statistical decision theoretic models, of pilot behaviour during both manual and monitored approach to landing scenarios, as a function of the information content of a sequence of perspective status display formats.
Human Factors in System Development: Project Team Approaches & Recommendations
Authors: Ross Eugene H.
Published: January 2012

Approaches to large scale Electronic Data Processing (EDP) projects can vary considerably from one organization to the next. Success of the project depends to a large degree, upon the effectiveness of the philosophy and of the approach taken by one organization. The present paper reviews the philosophy and methods used by an AT&T project team to complete a successful multi-million dollar EDP project. The paper shows the importance of and the role played by the Human Factors Engineer on this project.
Space-Time and Motion Study
Authors: Newell K. M. , Hancock P. A.
Published: January 2012

A space-time account of movement accuracy is proposed which represents a statistical manifestation of the physical properties of the movement control system. When errors are measured in the same plane of motion, the functions for spatial and temporal error are homeomorphic. Thus, an operator cannot trade speed for accuracy in the traditional sense - only spatial error for temporal error, or vice versa. The implications of the space-time function for an understanding of the relative contribution of operator, environment and task constraints to movement accuracy are outlined in relation to traditional time and motion study analysis.
Instantaneous Measures of Mental Workload: An Initial Investigation
Authors: Antin Jonathan F. , Wierwille Walter W.
Published: January 2012

Many researchers have implicitly or explicitly averaged measures of mental workload over a given run or period of time. This process tends to mask specific features (e.g. peaks) of interest in the flow of instantaneous mental workload (IMWL). A study was conducted in which thirty subjects performed computer tasks which quantifiably varied in difficulty during a run. These tasks emphasized perceptual, mediational, psychomotor, and storage and retrieval from short-term memory processes. Data were gathered on the following candidate measures of momentary load: instantaneous primary task performance, instantaneous Michon tapping and time estimation secondary task performance, instantaneous pulse and respiration rates, and two types of online subjective opinion. Data were short-term averaged and used to develop regression models to evaluate the ability of the measures to track IMWL. Primary task performance (response time for functional subtasks) and both forms of online subjective opinion measures showed great promise as measures of IMWL.
An Empirical Demonstration of Multiple Resources
Authors: Derrick William L. , McCloy Thomas M.
Published: January 2012

Earlier work by Gopher, Brickner, and Navon (1982) suggested that evidence for multiple processing resources can be demonstrated only if both task difficulty and task priorities are manipulated in dual task studies. To further investigate their approach, ten subjects performed both single and dual task versions of a tracking task and a vowel insertion task, the latter modified to increase either motor load or cognitive load. Dual task trials required equal task emphasis on the favoring of one task over another. As expected, a difficulty by priority interaction was found in the motor load but not in the cognitive load condition, suggesting multiple resources. Performance Operating Characteristics for these data suggested that more than two resources were being utilized by these tasks.
Graphics Prototyping Environment (GRAPE)
Authors: Fish Robert S.
Published: January 2012

To produce a graphically oriented interactive interface to an engineering system, some method of displaying and interacting with both geographic, iconic, and textual information about an engineering domain is needed. However, generating effective requirements for such a system is not a completely straightforward process. There are many aspects of the interactive process for which an optimal or even adequate specification is not currently possible. This is because of the inherent complexity of completely describing an image compounded from several independent parts, each of which can change as a function of the stage and content of the interaction.

An alternative to the approach of attempting an a priori specification of a graphics interface is to build a systems engineering and prototyping tool that would allow the simulation of such an interface. With such a tool, a graphics interface could be evaluated during the requirements generation stage and the requirements tailored as needed. Moreover, the simulation itself would provide a set of explicit requirements that are inherently implementable.

A number of characteristics are desirable in such a tool. These include device independence, so that users are not tied to specific hardware, a scripting facility, so that user written scripts can drive the interface, parameterized graphics descriptions, so that graphics objects may be created and stored in a invocation independent fashion, and a database interface, so that data can be extracted and displayed from an application specific database. In addition, provision must be made for the different styles of interface design so that demands for windowing and other complex features can be accommodated.

A demonstration of portions of such a tool has been built and an effort is underway to complete implementation. At the center of GRAPE is an abstract machine that carries out its abstract operations. Six high level languages, a Script Language (SL), a Command Definition Language (CDL), an Object Description Language (ODL), a Menu Definition Language (MDL), a Form and Table Definition Language (FTDL), and a Device Interface Language (DIL), are interpreted into operations of this abstract machine. Along with window and file managers, these languages provide the facility for an interface designer to specify command structures, graphics objects, menu structures and content, form and table layouts, and a script that ties these elements together into a simulated interface. The simulation will run on any device specifiable in the Device Interface Language. The output of the abstract machine running a script is a simulation of the complete interface, including i/o, although response time is dependent on the hardware utilized.
The Development and Evaluation of a Methodology for Assessing Mental Models of Complex Decision Tasks
Authors: Coury Bruce G.
Published: January 2012

Models of decision making behavior in complex systems are hampered by an incomplete understanding of the way in which operators internally represent information about decision tasks. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a methodology for assessing mental models by humans to represent complex decision tasks. The methodology is based on the analysis of proximity measures using multidimensional scaling (MDS). In this research, six subjects were trained to classify a visually presented stimulus into one of four categories. The MDS methodology was used to track the evolution of the subject's internal model and identify the dimensional information used to classify the stimuli. The relation between the dimensional information revealed by the analysis and subject performance is discussed.
Enhancing Plant Effectiveness by Improving Organizational Communication
Authors: Bauman Marjorie B. , Davidson Margery K. , Van Cott Harold P.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this EPRI-sponsored study is to investigate the impact of communication problems on nuclear power plant (NPP) operations and to design, implement, and evaluate alternative programs that address specific communication issues. Preliminary survey results from four nuclear power plants showed that six communication areas warranted special attention. These were: timeliness, redundancy, withholding of information, feedback, information amount, and quality of work-related documentation. Two approaches that have been developed to address plant-specific problem areas are addressed. One approach involves evaluating the effectiveness of automated work request systems at two plants as mechanisms for improving interdepartmental communications and job performance. Another focuses on determining the effectiveness of interdepartmental meetings for improving organizational communication. The methods for longitudinally evaluating the effects on organizational communication and plant effectiveness are also presented.
Manual Ability Evaluation: Device, Measure, and Reliability
Authors: Rahimi Mansour , Malzahn Don E.
Published: January 2012

This paper descirbes the Available Motions Inventory (AMI) as a testing and evaluation system for measuring human physical ability based on components of industrial manual tasks. Using a microcomputer, the AMI subtest scores (71 for each hand) can be transformed into a meaningful design-oriented scoring system for intra-individual and inter-individual comparisons. Also, the AMI was shown to have a high test-retest reliability with a correlation coefficient of 0.85. This system can be used for design and modification of industrial manual tasks based on matching of human abilities with task requirements.
The Basics of Human Error Analysis-Where to Place the Blame
Authors: Smith Leighton L. , Fedor Otto H.
Published: January 2012

In most applications Human Error Analysis as a practice does not exist. When the result of a particular mishap investigation is identified as human error there is usually no further analysis. It appears that human errors are accepted to be an integral part of human-machine systems. The end result of this attitude is that human error has been blamed as causing a mishap far too often. I.E., mishap investigators, when confronted with complex situations, opt for human error as an easy way out, because they know no one will argue. Essentially to name human error as the cause of a mishap is tantamount to admitting that no other cause can satisfactorily be found. This is not an acceptable situation. A structured analysis approach is presented which will enable the mishap investigator to identify tangible causes which otherwise would have been termed human error. further a means of solving pure human error cases is suggested.
A Control room Concept for Remote Maintenance in High Radiation Areas
Authors: Clarke Margaret M. , Kreifeldt John G.
Published: January 2012

This paper summarizes the design of a control room concept for an operator interface with remote maintenance equipment consisting of force-reflecting manipulators, tools, hoists, cranes, cameras, and lights. The design development involved two major activities. First, detailed requirements were defined for foreseeable functions that will be performed by the control room operators. Second, concepts were developed, tested, and refined to meet these requirements.
Human Reliability Data Bank: Feasibility Study
Authors: Comer Kay , Miller Dwight P. , Donovan Mike
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Sandia National Laboratories have been developing a plan for a human reliability data bank since August 1981. This research is in response to the data needs of the nuclear power industry's probabilistic risk assessment community. The three phases of the program are to: (A) develop the data bank concept, (B) develop an implementation plan and conduct a feasibility study, and (C) assist a sponsor in implementing the data bank. The program is now in Phase B. This paper describes the methods used and the results of the feasibility study. Decisions to be made in the future regarding full-scale implementation will be based, in part, on the outcome of this study.
Feedback and Key Discrimination on Membrane Keypads
Authors: Roe Cynthia J. , Muto William H. , Blake Tyler
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effects of visual and tactile key discrimination and kinesthetic and auditory feedback on membrane keypads. More specifically, metal domes, embossed key edges and tone were examined.

Fortyeight subjects were used in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two levels of key discrimination (with and without embossed key edges), two levels of kinesthetic feedback (with and without metal domes), and two levels of auditory feedback (with and without a 1000 Hz tone). Several types of preference scales along with keying time and error rate were used as comparative measures. Results indicated that key discrimination provided by embossed key edges and feedback provided by metal domes and auditory tones had significant effect on keying performance and operator ratings of membrane keypads. Auditory feedback paired with tactile and/or kinesthetic feedback yielded the best performance and preference scores.
The Influence of Insertion-Instruction Strategies on Noise Reduction Estimates Achieved with Industrial Earplugs
Authors: Epps Brian W. , Casali John G.
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of various levels of insertion-instructions on earplug attenuation. Five levels of instruction and five common earplug designs were evaluated. A Noise Reduction Estimate (NRE), a single-number rating for earplug dB attenuation, was determined for each earplug using each insertion-instruction technique. Results based on analysis of variance and subsequent Newman-Keuls tests revealed certain earplug designs were extremely sensitive to instruction. Comparison of obtained NRE data with a previous in-field investigation indicated that with some earplug designs, industrial workers were actually receiving noise protection equivalent to the protection achieved by the “no instruction” group in this study.
Productivity and Difficulty as New Criteria for Validating Aviator Selection Tests
Authors: Shipley Brian D.
Published: January 2012

The US Army Research Institute is conducting research to improve the quality of the Army's aviator selection testing program. The research is motivated by increasing costs of training and by changing aviator ability requirements due to advanced aircraft and modern tactics. This paper describes the development of a new criterion variable to support the testing improvement research.
Fuzzy Modeling Techniques in Human Factors Research
Authors: Karwowski Waldemar , Evans Gerald W. , Ragade R. R.
Published: January 2012

Traditional techniques applied in the analysis of human-centered systems fail to recognize the human- and system-based uncertainties due to imprecision and vagueness of human thinking. A new methodology is needed to cope with ill-defined relationships between people, their machines and environments. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of fuzziness, and to identify the potential applications of fuzzy set theory in the area of human factors. Examples of recent and ongoing studies on the relevant application of fuzzy sets in this area are also given.