bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Testing with Microprocessors: Mechanization is Not Implementation
Authors: Smith Martin G. , Krause Michele , Kennedy Robert S. , Bittner Alvah C. , Harbeson Mary M.
Published: January 2012

Microprocessors in the form of personal computers and home game systems are now widely available at affordable prices. Researchers are rapidly acquiring systems for the collection and analysis of data and recording of results. However, the use of these devices parallels the implementation of the early apparatus-based tests which began their development during World War II. Although increased speed in test administration was gained, the mechanization of traditional tests, at times, resulted in alteration of the behavioral factors studied, as well as difficulties with equipment reliability. Pitfalls to be avoided when considering a test for microprocessor mechanization include: (a) equipment factors, (b) quantitative issues, and (c) their interactions. This report outlines the procedures one should follow when implementing a microprocessor based performance test battery.
Influence of a Perspective Cockpit Traffic Display Format on Pilot Avoidance Maneuvers
Authors: Ellis Stephen R. , McGreevy Michael W.
Published: January 2012

Laboratory experiments have examined perspective projections of Cockpit Displays of Traffic Information (CDTI) on CRTs as a means of presenting vertical separation information to airline pilots. Ten airline pilots served as subjects in an experiment comparing the perspective projection with plan-view projections of the same air traffic situations. Comparison of the patterns of pilots' avoidance maneuvers made when using the perspective traffic display with those made while using more conventional plan-view displays has shown that pilots maneuvered somewhat earlier with perspective displays. And when they did, they maneuvered more frequently in the vertical dimension. Thus, the previously observed bias to maneuver horizontally is probably not based on the “procedural reasons” often given. It probably refects the poorer presentation of vertical separation on previously used traffic displays.
Primary Separation between Three Aircraft Using Traffic Displays
Authors: Chappell Sheryl L. , Palmer Everett A.
Published: January 2012

This study explored the use of cockpit traffic displays for aircraft separation in instrument conditions. This is a new concept termed EFR for electronic flight rules. Four groups of three general aviation, instrument-rated pilots flew cross-country flights in twin engine simulators in the Multi-Cockpit Facility at NASA Ames. They were required to maintain two miles horizontal and 500 feet vertical separation from all other aircraft. There were 24 different geometries, or traffic situations, repeated randomly for each of the four experimental conditions for each group.

Of 1152 aircraft encounters 12.8% were in violation of separation minimums. Eighteen of these were closer than 400 ft vertically or 1.6 nm horizontally. The minimum separation of all aircraft pairs was 293 ft and .13 nm. The type and time of evasive maneuvers showed no effect when sensor noise was simulated in the displayed traffic information. When pilots were able to communicate and coordinate their maneuvers, the time to resolve the conflict was reduced. Subject groups varied significantly in: time of conflict resolution, frequency and type of maneuvers, control activity, reported amount of threat, confidence, and satisfaction they perceived, and appraisal of the efficacy of their communications.
The Moment of Inertia of Common Objects: A Prediction Equation and Its Relevance to Design
Authors: Kreifeldt J. G. , Morse R.
Published: January 2012

The “feel” of a manipulated object depends upon several factors including its weight and moment of inertia. Although weight has received considerable investigation, less attention has been paid to moment of inertia. This paper summarizes the present state of knowledge regarding the moment of inertia of hand held objects. In addition, three simple models for estimating an object's moment of inertia are compared. A linear regression model was found superior to simple geometric models for 80 common objects with carefully measured moments of inertia. This information is useful in product design, remote manipulation and robotics.
Human Factors Design Criteria for Safe Use of Consumer Products
Authors: Ryan Joseph P.
Published: January 2012

The increasing number of suits filed each year in courts arising from personal injuries while using consumer products indicates safety in design needs immediate evaluation. Human Factors engineers can make a great contribution in this area, especially by working more closely with traditional approaches to product design. Many engineers who are responsible for design, testing, and quality control have not had the benefit of training in ergonomics and psychology. As a result, many products sold in the marketplace today reflect too-high a risk acceptance for the ordinary consumer. This paper describes criteria for safe design of consumer products based on foreseeable and reasonable use of products. Sources of product standards relating to performance and safety are presented. Safe product design criteria based on risk, reliability, foreseeability, psychological considerations, and hazard warning are presented.
Designing a Multipurpose Menu Driven User Interface to Computer Based Tools
Authors: Goodwin Nancy C.
Published: January 2012

A menu-based interface was designed to provide users with an easy, consistent means for finding and initiating various facilities on a host computer. The interface had to be usable by people of varying levels of skill and experience, using different types of terminals. Three major issues were considered in the design: option selection techniques, display design, and functional organization of the choices within the hierarchy. The ESD-MITRE user system interface (USI) design guidelines on sequence control were applied to the first two issues in this list.

The guidelines were helpful during the design process. They were used to guide the basic design, and to help make decisions as the design was refined. Different guidelines can lead to different designs, so designers must be prepared to decide which requirements and which guidelines are of greatest importance in their particular situations.
Text Editing Performance with Partial and Full Page Displays
Authors: Darnell Michael J. , Neal Alan S.
Published: January 2012

Full page text editor displays have been favorably contrasted with partial page displays with respect to potential user productivity. An experiment was conducted in which 20 subjects used both partial and full page displays driven by the same computer text editing system. The subjects completed 384 editing tasks using each display. Each task required subjects to make a revision which was marked on a printed copy of a document. The results showed no practical productivity difference between the two displays for typical editing revisions after a moderate amount of practice.
Searching for Items in Menus: The Effects of Organization and Type of Target
Authors: McDonald James E. , Stone Jim D. , Liebelt Linda S.
Published: January 2012

Methods of organizing menu structures have received considerable empirical attention. Studies have compared categorical and alphabetical organizations with conflicting results. This experiment examined the effects of these and other organization types on visual search performance with 64-item menus. The effect of target type was also assessed by comparing performance using explicit targets as stimuli with that obtained using target definitions. Categorical menu organization was found to be superior to an alphabetical ordering, particularly when definitions are provided as stimuli.
Age and Pilot Performance
Authors: Eyraud Micheline Y. , McCluney Linda B. , Borowsky Michael S.
Published: January 2012

In military as well as civilian aviation the age of the pilot is a major factor which determines whether or not the individual is allowed to continue flying. Due to a number of factors, such as legal considerations, escalating personnel and training costs, and higher skill levels which are necessitated by increasing equipment complexity, a great deal of interest has been generated in the development of “age free” criteria to determine continued suitability for aviation duty. Central to this issue is a demonstration that older pilots are not necessarily unsafe pilots. Data from the Naval Safety Center concerning mishap rates and causal factors as they relate to the age of the pilot as well as the implications of these findings for present policies are discussed.
Human Factors in Early Ship System Design
Authors: Malone Thomas B. , Feaga Robert P. , Andrews Phillip J. , Kopp Walter H.
Published: January 2012

In order to most effectively integrate human factors criteria and concepts into ship systems design, it is essential that human factors applications begin at the beginning of the system. If human factors is not applied until the preliminary or detail design phases, the role of human factors is reduced to that of a support function rather than as an influence to the design. Getting human factors considerations included in the pre-milestone 0 feasibility and study phase will ensure that human factors will influence the system design.

This paper will address the process for applying human factors in pre-milestone 0. One of the major activities to be accomplished within this process is the development of a human factors data base for baseline reference systems. These include systems already in the fleet for which the new system will serve as a replacement or an improvement. The data base will include data for three specific purposes: 1) determination of lessons learned - human factors problems and implemented concepts; 2) identification of human factors thresholds and operability gaps below these thresholds for existing systems; and 3) determination of the benefits of applying human factors in the new system as compared with the baseline system.

The pre-milestone 0 process will also address determination of the role of man in systems operation and maintenance, the extent of automation, the role of man in automated operations, general human factors design directions, and requirements for feasibility studies of manual versus automated control, manning levels, supportability requirements, training concepts, and habitability requirements.

A major human factors effort in the pre-milestone 0 process is the planning of the first human factors program review, which occurs at Milestone 0. Evaluation criteria and methods for this review will be described and discussed.

The results of implementing the pre-milestone 0 process in the development of ship systems will also be discussed.
Visual Cueing Effectiveness: Comparison of Perception and Flying Performance
Authors: De Maio Joe , Rinalducci Edward J. , Brooks Rebecca , Brunderman John
Published: January 2012

Growing emphasis on simulation of low altitude and air-to-air tactical scenarios has greatly increased the requirement for simulator visual systems capable of providing the pilot high-fidelity out-of-the-cockpit cues. Evaluation of visual system performance through simulator flying studies has been the primary measure of system quality. Such studies can be costly and time consuming, and often they provide equivocal results. The present set of experiments was conducted to investigate the use of psychophysical measurement methodology to provide a quick, low-cost evaluation of the altitude cueing effectiveness of simulator visual displays. Experiment I examined altitude perception in several visual environments. Experiment II was a validation effort, in which flying performance was evaluated in selected visual environments.

In Experiment I pilots made altitude estimates based on static and dynamic presentations of visual displays containing texture and varying sizes of 3-dimensional objects. Best-fitting power functions were used to relate perceived altitude to actual altitude. In Experiment II Air force pilots flew the Advanced Simulator for Pilot Training F-16 through five selected visual environments at 600 kt and 150 ft AGL. Reliable difference were found as a function of display variables. In environments which provided strong altitude cues, pilots were able to fly very close to the designated altitude. In environments which provided poorer cues, pilots flew substantially above designated altitude.
A Comparison of Analog and Digital Scales for Use in Heads-up Displays
Authors: Moroze Michael L. , Koonce Jefferson M.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the results of an experiment in which subjects were taught to fly five flight maneuvers using three different types of displays: traditional round-dialed instrument panel, a linear tape type of HUD, and a HUD which utilizes digital symbols for the flight parameters. After achieving a pre-determined level of proficiency on each of the displays, the subjects had to perform each of the maneuvers on each of the displays while performing a secondary task of reporting the presence of odd-even-odd sequences of digits from a continuous string of digits presented by a tape recorder. Overall, the learning of the basic maneuvers, the results showed the abstract display to require more trials to learn than the traditional display, but as the third display to be learned there were no significant differences between display types.

After all subjects met the same criterion level of performance with each type, performance under loading stress was poorer using the abstracted display.
Visual Perceptual and Human Performance Factors Involved in Low Level, High Speed Flight
Authors: Kellogg Robert S. , Longridge Thomas , Miller Milt
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a review of present efforts to deal with the visual and human performance factors involved in low level, high speed flight. The program is being developed by the 162nd Fighter Weapons School, USAFR, Tucson, Arizona, in conjunction with the Human Resources Laboratory, Williams AFB Arizona. The underlying structure of this training program is presented as well as some of the training methodologies.
A Model of a Pilot's State Estimation Based on Sequential Instrument Readings
Authors: Waller Marvin C.
Published: January 2012

A study has been completed at LaRC which applies a generic model of an operator, the Human Operator Simulator (HOS), to the representation of a pilot flying an advanced transport airplane. The model has been demonstrated to generate results which closely match those obtained in fixed based, hardware oriented, piloted simulation studies. The model generates lookpoint predictions as could be measured with an oculometer system as well as time histories of state variables of the airplane and pilot control inputs, and provides a means of estimating pilot workload.

The model incorporates a Kalman filter type estimator to represent the pilot's knowledge of the airplane's state, and his sequential process of updating this knowledge by absorbing information from different display sources during the course of a flight.

This presentation provides a brief description of the HOS based pilot model and presents in some detail, implementation in the model of the algorithm to represent the pilot's knowledge of the state. The algorithm used allows representation of the effects of reading a single instrument at a given time. Results of some preliminary validation and demonstration steps are presented. Also, elements of a plausible pilot (or operator) scanning model, which is a spin-off of the estimation process, are discussed.
Development and Evaluation of a Minicourse Screening Test for Fiber Optic and Digital Transmission Maintenance Technicians
Authors: Israelski Edmond W. , Stuster Jack W.
Published: January 2012

A preplacement selection test was developed and evaluated for the Bell System to ensure that the best qualified personnel would install and maintain new high-technology telecommunications systems. These new complex systems employ digital electronics and fiber optic transmission using lasers and glass fibers carrying pulses of light.

The project involved a thorough job analysis, development of test materials and evaluation study to set an initial passing score for the screening test. The basic principle of minicourse screening tests is to assess the candidates trainability or specific learning abilities. This is accomplished by presenting to the candidate modular samples of programmed learning materials adapted from required advanced training courses, and to test learning at the conclusion of each module using multiple choice questions. This particular minicourse screening test is titled Digital Cable Technologies Minicourse Test (DCTM); it consists of four modules (Introduction to Digital Multiplexing, Introduction to Fiber Optic Transmission Systems, Basic Electronics and Circuit Reading, and Acceptance Testing and Troubleshooting Procedures). The DCTM has a six hour time limit and the scoring algorithm is a function of the number of correct items and the total time required to read the programmed instructional materials and to answer the test questions.

The development of the DCTM followed the government requirements for test development as described in the Uniform Federal Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures.

An empirically supported and fully documented job analysis was conducted including four criticality ratings of a 108 task statement inventory and Fleischman-type behaviorally anchored ratings of 31 basic abilities. A sample of 135 subject matter experts participated in this effort.

The evaluation of the minicourse test involved administration to 158 cable repair technicians across the Bell System from whom detailed time and accuracy data were collected. Although the DCTM is a completely content valid selection procedure, a follow-up predictive criteria-related validity study is currently being conducted to produce additional validity support. The evaluation study and the subsequent item analysis of the 79 test questions allowed two parallel forms of the DCTM tests to be developed with equal measurable levels of difficulty, discriminability and reliability.
On-Line Documentation Systems: History and Issues
Authors: Limanowski Joseph J.
Published: January 2012

The present paper provides a brief history of Electronic Data Processing Systems and their supporting user documentation. The problems inherent to paper documentation are highlighted. Techniques employed to improve on-line reject messages in addition to the development of an online user documentation system are discussed. Future challenges facing the human factors specialist involved in development of on-line documentation are outlined.
Human Factors Guidelines for Computer Software Design
Authors: Towstopiat Olga
Published: January 2012

A project sponsored by the U.S. Army Research Institute and conducted by Synectics Corporation human factors staff, focused on the development of a human/computer interface design handbook. The objective of this effort was to promote functional standardization and modularization of tasks and procedures, in order to reduce the amount of training and skill levels required for computer users and operators. This paper will 1) outline the contents of the computer software design handbook developed by Synectics' staff; 2) discuss the practical utility of these guidelines, as evaluated in the context of actual system software designs; 3) specify limitations of human factors design guidelines; 4) emphasize the need to link human factors software design guidelines to empirically-based models of human performance; and 5) provide examples of empirical data and design guidelines that may support future efforts, by human factors specialists, to increase computer system effectiveness and reduce personnel costs.
The Effect of Asymmetric Transfer on Dual-Task Assessment of Voice Technology
Authors: Damos Diane L. , Lyall Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2012

This experiment examines tne effect of asymmetric transfer on multiple-task performance in a voice technology study. Male subjects performed a mental arithmetic and a visual memory task alone and together. Stimuli for the mental arithmetic task were presented either visually or auditorily; responses were made either vocally or manually. Stimuli for the visual memory task were always presented visually; responses were always made manually. Preliminary analyses revealed a number of statistically significant effects favoring auditory input and speech response. However, these analyses also revealed asymmetric transfer between response conditions. When the data affected by the asymmetric transfer were eliminated from subsequent analyses, no significant advantages for speech over manual response were found. The significance of these results for voice technology studies is discussed.
Effect of Workload on the Auditory Evoked Brainstem Response
Authors: Gilliland Kirby , Shingledecker Clark , Wilson Glenn , Peio Karen
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of workload level of a grammatical reasoning task on the auditory brainstem evoked response. Ten male subjects were administered three difficulty levels of a grammatical reasoning task. Brainstem evoked responses were recorded before and after the randomly presented workload conditions, as well as during each workload condition. The results revealed a consistent increase in Wave VI latency during all workload conditions, but no apparent differentiation between workload conditions. Post-test brainstem measures revealed that latency of Wave VI did not recover to pre-test baseline levels.
Using Work Time Estimation Methods to Predict Preventive Maintenance Task Completion Times
Authors: Ritchie R. Jay , Notestine Jerome C.
Published: January 2012

Work time estimation techniques, as an alternative to direct work time measurement methods, were replicated using preventive maintenance personnel as expert estimators. Two groups of maintainers, those familiar with maintenance activities on specific equipments included in the study, and those with generic preventive maintenance experience, estimated subtask completion times on electronic equipment. Both groups' task completion time estimates correlated very highly with observed task completion times, indicating that general knowledge of maintenance is sufficient to produce strong prediction models. The relationship between generic experts' estimates and observed task completion times was further strengthened by providing more detailed subtask descriptions during the estimation process.
Development of an Interactive Microprocessor Based Workload Evaluation Model (SIMWAM)
Authors: Kirkpatrick Mark , Malone Thomas B. , Andrews Phillip J.
Published: January 2012

In an attempt to assess the extent to which human factors technology developed for air systems is applicable to ship systems problems, several task network simulation techniques were evaluated for aircraft carrier air operations. Such operations are complex and highly variable and include over 400 separate tasks performed by 18 different operators. The result of the assessment was that the available techniques were not acceptable, leading to the development of a model designated SIMWAM for simulation for workload assessment and modeling.
Medication Containers: A Consumer Perspective
Authors: Moore Patricia A.
Published: January 2012

Consumers are challenged throughout the life span by changes in their physical and mental functioning. Whether limitations are the result of disease, injury, or aging, variations in ability required to appropriately access products and services often determine an individual's quality of life. In the case of the proper administration of both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, user ability becomes critical. An on-going consumer, analysis, conducted by Moore & Associates, is attempting to identify the design and engineering criteria required by consumers as they age and as ability levels vary.
Integration of Human Factors Engineering and System Safety in the Development of Military Weapon Systems
Authors: Flax Robert A. , Hicks James E.
Published: January 2012

Less than adequate integration of human factors engineering with system safety in the development of military weapon systems has been associated with design deficiencies in at least several fielded systems. These deficiencies have caused accidents resulting in fatalities and destroyed equipment valued at millions of dollars. Though human factors engineering and system safety have similar objectives and address many of the same issues during system development, cooperation and coordination between them is often lacking. A desired overlap between human factors engineering and system safety in military research and development is presented. Examples of design deficiencies and resultant accidents associated with inadequate cooperation and coordination between human factors engineering and system safety are discussed. Difficulties of integrating human factors engineering and system safety are described, and solutions for more effective integration are suggested.
Simulator Fidelity Specification Based on Training Needs
Authors: Levinson E. D. , Donovan M.
Published: January 2012

This report summarizes the work to date on a simulator qualification methodology project. The development of a simulator qualification process, based on a training perspective, is described so that it can be used in other qualification projects. The measures used to quantify the simulator's performance are provided and the results of demonstration analysis are described.
Partial Gloves and Reduced Temperatures
Authors: Riley Michael W. , Cochran David J.
Published: January 2012

When the ambient temperature is below 55°F (12.8°C) and a person's hands have been exposed to that reduced temperature for at least 20 minutes, a person's dexterity performance is reduced. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the use of partial gloves in reduced temperatures to determine if the dexterity performance decrement could be significantly abated. The partial gloves used in this study were wool and they allowed the distal and middle phalange to be exposed.

Three male and three female subjects performed a variety of tasks at ambient temperatures of 40°F, 50°F and 60°F. The dexterity performance tasks were two pencil-point tapping tasks and the Purdue Pegboard. In addition, grip strength, finger pinch strength, and reaction time tasks were performed. The performance testing was performed at each temperature level with and without the partial gloves. Testing required approximately one hour. The order of the testing was randomized. Hand skin and finger skin temperatures data were collected.

Results of the pilot study showed that partial gloves allowed the subjects to maintain warmer finger skin and hand skin temperatures while maintaining the same level of dexterity when compared to conditions and performance without the partial gloves.
Case Study Evaluation of Colorgraphics for Process Control
Authors: Koch Christopher G. , Richardson Rose Mae M.
Published: January 2012

The complexity of modern, large-scale control systems has given rise to new requirements for monitoring and control of those systems, and capabilities of colorgraphics computer-generated display systems are being applied to provide the user/system/computer interface. An evaluation of the advanced control/display system at the 10 MWe Solar Pilot Plant was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the colorgraphics system and its impact on plant performance and operator workload. A two-phase methodology was applied to evaluate workstation design; colorgraphics display structure, content, format, and readability; control input devices; dialogue structure; display access/utilization; and alarm handling. Data collection procedures included checklist ratings, analysis of documentation, structured interviews, observation of operations, analysis of process reports, and walk-through talk-through simulation. Results indicate the overall suitability of the colorgraphics control/display system in meeting the operating requirements, and suggest discrepancy/need areas where performance improvements can be realized. Resolution of issues in three areas seems crucial to maximizing the potential of the colorgraphics interface: monitoring the process efficiently, retrieving needed information, and handling abnormal events.
Reduced Fidelity Motor Skill Training
Authors: Queen John E.
Published: January 2012

The study investigated if training using text and pictures (reduced fidelity) would lead to better performance of a motor skill task. The motor skill was a two-hand tracking task similar to a video game. Task performance was assessed by two measures: accuracy and strategy. Using the generative learning model and the characteristics of the analytic-holistic cognitive style, four instructional treatments and a control condition were developed. Two instructional treatments presented training in a holistic mode and two treatments used an analytic mode. Within each mode, one treatment presented generative instructions. One hundred twenty-four undergraduate college students were randomly assigned to treatments. Results included that generative processing lead to more accurate performance. Strategy was influenced by interactions among treatment, cognitive style, and sex of the learner.
The Maintenance Personnel Performance Simulation (MAPPS) Model
Authors: Siegel Arthur I. , Bartter William D. , Wolf J.J. , Knee Helmut E. , Haas Paul M.
Published: January 2012

A stochastic computer model for simulating the actions and behavior of nuclear power plant maintenance personnel is described. The model considers personnel, environmental, and motivational variables to yield predictions of maintenance performance quality and time to perform. The model has been fully developed and sensitivity tested. Additional evaluation of the model is now taking place.
Eye-Controlled Switching for Crew Station Design
Authors: Calhoun Gloria L. , Arbak Christopher J. , Boff Kenneth R.
Published: January 2012

Integration of eye and head position monitoring devices may enable practical control of systems using the operator's eye line-of-sight (LOS) under conditions of free head and eye movement. This paper describes the components of an eye-control system developed to examine the use of eye LOS as an alternate control interface for crew station design. The implications of the performance of this system to the implementation of eye-controlled switching are discussed.
Effects of Keyboard Height on Typist Performance and Preference
Authors: Burke Teresa M. , Muto William H. , Gutmann James C.
Published: January 2012

The present study was designed to determine if the home row to table top height (35 mm, 64 mm, 84 mm, 104 mm) for an 11 degree keyboard angle affects typists keyboard performance and preference. The design was a full factorial 2 × 2 × 2 × 4 (Keyboard Manufacturer × Run Length × Pre/Post Typing Test × Keyboard Height). Forty-eight typists participated in the study. Results showed no significant differences in performance. However there were significant preference differences. The preference data showed typists preferred the 84mm and 64mm keyboards.
Anticipating Control Failure and Operator Error in Nuclear Power Plant Safety
Authors: Adams S. Keith , Husseiny Abdo A.
Published: January 2012

In the operation of commercial nuclear power plants, large guidebooks have been prepared, documenting proper procedures in the event of various hardware or control failures. Although recognized as having a major impact on overall system safety, human error has not received as much attention from the standpoint of anticipating specific errors and designing against them. Using system diagrams constructed from overall plan design diagrams, it was possible to define subsystem dependencies. It was then possible to construct 80 realistic operation and maintenance errors and control malfunctions, to analyze their symptoms and effects, and to construct sequences of actions to mitigate the situation or to prevent serious consequences. Preventative as well as corrective measures were developed. Methods employed in this study appear to have general application in system safety.
Employee Overtime and Industrial Safety
Authors: Gifford Robert N.
Published: January 2012

Despite the common opinion that overtime causes industrial accidents, supportive data seem sparse, although there is some evidence that accidents increase during business upswings, and vice versa. A study comparing the overtime of injury and non-injury groups of employees in an electronics plant yielded no significant results. The correlation of plant overtime and total injuries for a steady aircraft production line also was not significant. But the correlation for another line whose production was decreasing showed a significantly decreased rate of injuries. Thus, the relationship between overtime and accidents appears to be coupled with other factors, particularly business swings.
An Evaluation of Written, Graphics, and Voice Messages in Proceduralized Instructions
Authors: Stern Kenneth R.
Published: January 2012

This study evaluated written messages, graphics, combined text and graphics, and digitized voice messages as a means of communicating proceduralized instructions to a broad range of users. The value of using voice messages as a means of supplementing visually presented information was also tested. The task consisted of making a cash withdrawal from an automated teller machine (ATM) with the aid of guidance and error messages. Results indicated that graphics was inferior to text, combined text and graphics, or voice as the primary means of communicating instructions. Voice, when used to supplement the visually presented error messages, did not provide any performance advantage over visually presented information alone. The voice messages were not liked by the subjects, especially for use in a public application. The results suggest that graphics messages should not be used as the sole means of communicating proceduralized instructions. Text and combined text and graphics were found to be acceptable modes of communicating instructions. Voice may also be appropriate, provided that user privacy can be maintained.
The Influence of a Fixed Background in a VDU Display on the Efficiency of Colour and Shape Coding
Authors: Zwaga H.J.G. , Duijnhouwer F.
Published: January 2012

Few studies investigating the merits of colour coding use displays where a fixed background picture increases the predictability of the number or location of the signals. In this study the effects of type of task, coding and display format on the use of VDU-presented information are examined. Two types of tasks were used: a search task and an identification task. There were three coding conditions: shape, colour and colour/shape coding. Information could be displayed in fixed and free format. In fixed format displays the coded information was presented as measuring points in flow schemes of a crude oil distilling plant. In the free format displays this background picture was not presented.

The results show that the background pattern decreases search performance under all coding conditions. Search with shape coding is inferior to that with colour and colour/shape coding. Identification task performance is slightly better with shape coding. The results suggest, that in the search task the background pattern inhibits efficient scanning of the display.
Marketing Human Factors: Speaking Management's Language
Authors: Gallaway Glen R.
Published: January 2012

Human Factors Professionals traditionally have been dedicated to making the interaction between people and their physical environment better suited to human needs and desires. Human factors technology is beginning to be applied to organizational design and management areas (i.e. the person to person, person to group interaction environment). The human factors profession can also be expected to benefit as we learn to apply human factors technological capabilities to improving our own contributions and interaction with management and/or customers. Specifically we need to learn to MARKET our work (show the value of human factors contributions) in terms that our management and/or customers will desire our continued support and direction.
The Detection and Identification of Pictorial Changes between Successive Presentations
Authors: Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

The present research examines the abilitv to detect and identify particular changes between successive pictorial scenes. This investigation focussed on two particular types of change in complex black and white pictures: the addition of objects or patterns, or the deletion of similar objects or patterns in a successivly presented picture. In Experiment 1, additions were found to be more easilv identified than deletions but only for pattern changes and not for objects. This difference decreased in magnitude with a longer interval between pictures of a pair. A potential problem with this experiment is that subjects were required to report five changes per picture pair and systematic output competition effects may have interacted with picture memory as a function of delav. In Experiment 2 the picture pairs contained only one change. The results showed that additions were more often detected than deletions and object changes more often than pattern changes. A planned comparison revealed that the detection of pattern-additions were significantly better than the detection of pattern-deletions. Experiment 3 again replicated this finding. The results of this research are discussed in terms of a dual-code theory and its utility in a variety of applied settings.
Cognitive Attributes to Guide Display Design in Automated Command-and-Control Systems
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth D. , Mitchell Christine M.
Published: January 2012

Increasing levels of automation at the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center have raised critical human factors issues in the area of display desigbutesn. Because increased automation may increase demands on cognitive resources, assumptions about human cognitive capabilities and limitations are needed as a basis for empirical research. This paper presents a cognitive description of the experienced operator within a theoretical context. The cognitive attributes summarized here are associated with negative effects of automation and implications for display design. Using this background, future research will develop display methodologies and decision aids for real-time supervisory controllers.
Scenario Analyses of Back Injuries in Industrial Accidents
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Schmidt John K.
Published: January 2012

Scenario analyses were carried out on 229 back injuries occuring over two years in a large petro-chemical manufacturing complex. The patterns indicated that most injuries were a direct result of overexertion in performing a task. Materials handling was the most common task, accounting for 35% of the cases. Two other tasks also accounted for a substantial number of injuries: operating a valve (17%) and assembling or disassembling equipment (18%). A much less common but noteworthy set of scenarios indicated that many back injuries occur in situations where unexpected movement in the person-equipment interface takes place. Age and sex were not significant factors in back injury rates. A higher proportion of injuries were major (OSHA recordable) than is usually found for industrial accidents in general.
Why Do Performance and Subjective Workload Measures Dissociate?
Authors: Yeh Yei-Yu , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

A set of three experiments are described that examine the sources of information processing that produce a dissociation between subjective workload measures and performance. The results support a theory of the dissociation. Subjective measures are driven more by the number of tasks currently performed. Subjective measures are also less sensitive to resource competition than performance measures are. Factors that demand more resource investment improve performance, but these factors also increase subjective ratings of workload.
Crewstation Configuration Design for Gas Plasma/Touch Surface Panel Interface with Aircraft Tactical Computer Systems
Authors: McKannon Thomas M. , Sola Kenneth E.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated optimization of display configuration for information processing at the non-acoustic sensor operator crewstation of the U.S. Navy long range maritime patrol airplane (P-3). The scope of the investigation was limited to three candidate configurations considered for installation in the P-3C with respect to operator tasks of detection, tracking, and data entry. Each configuration consisted of four displays and one cursor control. Two large displays and two interactive control panel (ICP) gas plasma displays were arranged in stacked, flanking, and grouped configuration. Data entry was via trackball cursor control and touch overlay on the ICP displays.

This study was performed using the Aircrew Station Technology Assessment Laboratory (ASTAL) at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland. ASTAL provided a dynamically and physically reconfigurable asset for the study. The three candidate configurations were reproduced at high fidelity in terms of geometry and function. Operator tasks were simulated to provide basic functional and real world equivalents to exercise visual and motor performance skills. The dynamic simulation provided performance values for discrete visual detection tracking, and data entry tasks. Time-based task termination criteria were established to provide operator overload, or task failure, data. The study design was a 3 × 3 matrix of crew station configuration versus operator tasks.

Data were recorded on the ASTAL VAX 11/750 computer with audio-visual augmentation. Measured criteria included speed and accuracy of visual detection, classification, tracking, and operator data entry. Comparisons were made of left versus right-handed ICP data entry and stimulus detection-response distance for each configuration.

Analysis of the metrics of each configuration revealed significant variation in performance criteria dependent upon configuration. Stacked configuration proved least effective overall. Flanking was better than grouped for visual detection. Data entry was enhanced by the grouped configuration.
Acquisition of Perceptual-Motor Skill: Adaptive and Part-Whole Training
Authors: Mané Amir M.
Published: January 2012

The effectiveness of two training methods was investigated in the training of a complex perceptual-motor skill. Subjects learned how to play a computer controlled video-game. In adaptive training, pacing of the game elements was the adaptive variable. In the part training condition subjects received training in four subtasks which were designed to train specific elements of the skill necessary for the performance of the task. A comparison of training time as well as performance at fixed time points against a control group indicated that the training manipulations were effective. The part training method was clearly the best. The adaptive training method yielded mixed results. However, some support for the effectiveness of the method was observed. The results are discussed in terms of the principles for design of training devices and programs.
Embedded Training in the Fog-M (Fiber Optics Guided Missile)
Authors: Finley Dorothy L. , Alderman Irving N. , Bogner M. Sue , Mitchell Nancy B.
Published: January 2012

The Defense Science Board Summer Study of 1982 and the Army Science Board Summer Study of 1983 both recommended the incorporation of embedded training into operational systems as one solution to the shortage of unit resources providing realistic training to operational Army personnel. The Army Research Institute has initiated a research and development program to provide the means for the development of embedded training as a part of the systems acquisition process. One of the approaches in the program is the development of embedded training packages in exemplar systems selected as representative of types of systems, development stage and approach, and ET supportable system capabilities.
Stimulus Integrality in Displays of System Input-Output Relationships: A Failure Detection Study
Authors: Carswell C. Melody , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

The performance effect of within-format display proximity, defined by degree of dimensional integrality, was studied in a task requiring the continuous integration of information from several sources. Twenty-four subjects each monitored two dynamic systems over the course of three 2-hour sessions. Each system consisted of a single output, the value of which was determined jointly by two inputs. Two analog-visual displays—a bar graph and a triangular “object display”—were used to present the system I/O information to subjects. Use of the triangular display, that considered the more integral of the two, resulted in more rapid detection of system failures. This performance benefit was obtained over three levels of task difficulty.
Building Use and Safety: An Overview with Emphasis on Current Research Applications to Codes and Standards
Authors: Pauls Jake
Published: January 2012

This is, in part, a preview of the program for the International Conference on Building Use and Safety Technology to be held November 7–9, 1984 in Washington, D.C. Background information is also provided on current developments in the major U.S. model codes and safety standards organizations where there are discussions on applications of research, with a human factors orientation, especially in relation to circulation safety and egress concepts. Relative to what was the case only a few years ago such discussions are now fairly intensive. They are leading to revisions which can be regarded as revolutionary. New research agendas, opportunities and sponsoring arrangements are being considered in the same contexts.
On Being the Right Sex: Discrimination by Design in the Built and the Product Environment
Authors: Wise James A. , Baumgartner Debra , Forghan Kris
Published: January 2012

The field study reported here investigated the various ways in which women are handicapped and constrained in their behavior, or socially discomforted by the design of common objects and places. The survey showed that most “discrimination by design” was due to failures of ergonomics, environmental interaction effects with feminine dress and biology, or being placed on unwanted display. Women evidenced a remarkable variety of ingenious and casual adaptations to these circumstances — most of which are avoidable through sensitive human factors design. The ubiquity of objects and settings that place women at a disadvantage and the relative lack of awareness of these effects suggest that such conditions will persist for a long time.
A Comparative Study of Static and Dynamic Lifting Tasks
Authors: Khalil Tarek M. , Asfour Shihab S. , Waly Sherif M. , Genaidy Ashraf M.
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to compare dynamic lifting task with a simulated static lifting task. 17 subjects 12 males and 5 females volunteered to participate in this study. The independent variables were the type of task (static and dynamic), frequency of lift (2, 4, and 6 lifts/min), and muscle group (back lift, leg lift, and arm lift). The psychophysical methodology was used in this study. The results showed highly significant differences between maximum acceptable static effort (MASE) and maximum acceptable dynamic effort (MADE) for both males and females. The frequency was also statistically significant. The muscle groups were significant for females and not significant for males. On the average MADE values were 45% of those of MASE values for females and 38% for males. The ratio of female to male data, on the average, were 39% for MASE values and 44% for MADE values. Regression models for the prediction of maximum of MADE from MASE and other task and worker variables were developed.