bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of grip span in one-handed thumb interaction with a smartphone
Authors: Sung Kiseok , Cho Jay , Freivalds Andris
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether different grip spans affected the touch performance of one-handed thumb interaction with a smartphone. Tapping time, hit count, and thumb-tip displacement were measured while using three mock-ups of an iPhone 5S, 6, and 6 Plus, respectively. In the tapping task, four positions were tested: top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right. The results showed that the hit count ( F2,14=8.596, p=.004) and thumb-tip displacement ( F2,14=11.348, p=.001) significantly decreased as the grip span increased. Thus, we concluded that there existed another problem beyond the limit of thumb length that caused a reachability issue when using a large smartphone. Thus, this should be considered in the user interface design of a large smartphone.
You’ve Got Mail
Authors: Mathwich Jake R. , Fletcher Keaton A. , Bedwell Wendy L.
Published: September 2016

Email is a primary method of communication for organizations, clients, and customers. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of a brief implementation of an online, less expensive, and less time consuming training session on writing a professional email. The findings suggest that conscientiousness predicts comfort with training which, in turn, predicts motivation to transfer. In other words, we found evidence to support the notion that individual characteristics can predict affective reactions which then predict utility reactions. The data, however, do not support the link between motivation to transfer and objective learning. Overall, practitioners and researchers need to measure and account for individual characteristics (e.g., conscientiousness) as well as affective (e.g., comfort with the training) and utility reactions (e.g., motivation to transfer) when evaluating training programs.
The Effects of Night Work on Nurses and an Analysis of Countermeasures
Authors: Costedoat Gregory , Nathan-Roberts Dan
Published: September 2016

Nurses are expected to work a variety of different shifts throughout their careers, including traditional day shifts, night shifts, and swing shifts. Research suggests that night shifts can have potentially adverse effects on a worker’s perceptual and motor capacities, circadian rhythm, and ability to function the following day. Due to the critical role that nurses play in the health care delivery system, it is worth exploring options that serve to mitigate the aforementioned consequences associated with working at night. A number of potential countermeasures are explored, including slow shift rotations, naps, melatonin supplements, and caffeine. It is concluded that implementing slow rotating shifts and allowing time for a nap during the first night shift of a new rotation could have the largest impact on maximizing worker and patient safety.
Effects of a Warning on Interruption Recovery in Dynamic Settings
Authors: Labonté Katherine , Tremblay Sébastien , Vachon François
Published: September 2016

Operators working in extreme environments are often confronted with task interruptions. These interruptions tend to impair performance, which can represent a threat to public safety. Most of the tools designed to aid task resumption in such dynamic contexts are post-interruption solutions consisting of providing information about missed events once the interruption is over. The goal of the present study is to test whether a pre-interruption solution consisting of warning operators of an impending interruption can also facilitate interruption recovery. We employed a microworld simulating above-water warfare and compared primary task recovery following an interruption that could either be notified (8 s before it takes place) or not. Results revealed enhanced post-interruption decision accuracy and speed when providing foreknowledge of the imminent interruption. These findings suggest that a pre-interruption warning, which has already proven effective in static contexts, can also support interruption recovery in dynamic settings.
Using a Multidimensional Pairwise Preference Measure of Personality to Predict Training Success of Air Traffic Control Specialists
Authors: Pierce Linda , Byrne Cristina , Beben Melissa , Pfleiderer Elaine
Published: September 2016

Studies have shown that cognitive ability relates to success in training as an air traffic control specialist (ATCS). The relationship between measures of personality and success in ATCS training is less clear. An area of concern is that personality tests are susceptible to faking and that job applicants may respond in a socially desirable manner to increase their odds of being hired (Paulhus, 2002). Personality measures that use a multidimensional pairwise preference item format tend to be fake-resistant (Underhill, Bearden, & Chen, 2008), leading to renewed interest in the use of personality assessments in personnel hiring. We report an initial assessment of one such measure, the Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System-Federal Aviation Administration for predicting success of ATCS trainees in Academy training. We found personality facets to account for an additional three to four percent of the variance in training success of individuals over a measure of cognitive ability.
A Pilot Study of an Articulating Support Arm System for Reducing Sustained Posture and Muscular Effort While Performing Echocardiograms
Authors: Sommerich Carolyn M. , Li Jing , Nagavarupu Shasank , Palmer Douglas , Ngo Sriya , Umar Radin Zaid Radin , Keester Dana , Dickerson Jennifer
Published: September 2016

Echocardiography is a growing field due to the dual trends in longer life expectancy and rising obesity levels. Several publications have reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal issues among cardiac sonographers due to risk factors that include prolonged transducer pinching, forceful exertions, awkward postures, and prolonged maintenance of static postures. This paper describes the results of a second pilot test of an articulating support arm system (ASAS) that uses a locking mechanism to reduce these exposures. The study involved cardiac sonographers performing an abbreviated ultrasound exam in a clinic setting on healthy male adults who weighed over 90 kg (200 lbs), to reflect typical echocardiogram patients. The sonographers first scanned the actor-patients as they normally would, and then repeated the exam using the ASAS. Results from muscle activity (EMG) assessment showed a significant reduction when using the ASAS. Shoulder abduction and external rotation were also reduced when using the ASAS. Image quality, evaluated by a cardiologist, was determined to be the same for the two test conditions. The device was generally well received and thought to have potential in addressing the targeted risk factors. The ASAS is a prototype and requires further design and engineering development before it is ready for implementation.
The Impacts of Touchscreen and Physical Control Interface Characteristics on Driver Distraction and Attention Management
Authors: Suh Youngbo , Ferris Thomas K.
Published: September 2016

Breakthroughs in interface technologies has encouraged automaker to increasingly replace physical control elements with touchscreens for the center console interface. Whereas the physical elements provide natural haptic and auditory cues supporting interactions even when they are not visually attended to, touchscreen interactions necessitate visual attention because there is not much to feel on the flat screen. Therefore, in-vehicle touchscreens may lead drivers to divert more glances to the touchscreen and away from the roadway, possibly resulting in greater time with eyes off the road and serious safety concerns (Fitch et al., 2013; Olson, Hanowski, Hickman, & Bocanegra, 2009).
Workload and Fatigue Among Assembly Operators. A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Hernandez-Arellano Juan Luis , Nussbaum Maury A. , Garcia-Alcaraz Jorge Luis
Published: September 2016

This study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the relationship between workload and fatigue dimensions, using data obtained from among Constant Velocity (CV) joints assembly workers in Mexico. Three years before this study, assembly workers had complained about how their job’s high workload had increased their levels of fatigue. The NASA-TLX and the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory ware used to collect data on the effects of workload on fatigue from 116 assembly workers. A structural equation model was used to test five hypotheses associated on the effects of workload on lack of energy, physical effort, physical discomfort, lack of motivation, and sleepiness. All relationships were significant and had associated positive load factors. As a result, the modified structural equation model showed statistical significance, as well as good mode fitness. From these results, fatigue was supported as being substantially affected by the workload.
Smooth moves
Authors: Lawson Ben D. , Ranes Bethany M. , Thompson Linda-Brooke I.
Published: September 2016

Software innovations at our laboratory have made novel measures of shooting performance available to researchers, even when the data comes from a fielded military firearms training simulator not designed for research. This study analyzed specific patterns of rifle handling and control to determine how they affected reaction time and accuracy among shooters of differing skill levels. The results indicated the skilled shooters employed smoother and more efficient rifle movement while aiming than less-skilled shooters. While shooters know that trigger control and sight picture are important, this study confirms that skilled shooting is also influenced by the efficiency of the rifle movements that immediately precede the shot.
How Is Nonverbal Auditory Information Processed? Revisiting Existing Models and Proposing a Preliminary Model
Authors: Jeon Myounghoon
Published: September 2016

Use of multimodal displays is getting more prevalent in Human Factors and Human-Computer Interaction. Existing information processing models and theories predict the benefits of multimodality in user interfaces. While the models have been refined regarding vision, more granularity is still required regarding audition. The existing models mainly account for verbal processing in terms of representation, encoding, and retrieving, but these models do not provide sufficient explanations for nonverbal processing. In the present paper, I point out research gaps in nonverbal information processing of the representative models at the working memory and attention level. Then, I propose a preliminary conceptual model supported by neural and behavioral level evidence, and provide evaluations of the model and future works.
Attention Redirection Using Binaurally Spatialised Cues Delivered Over a Bone Conduction Headset
Authors: Barde Amit , Ward Matt , Helton William S. , Billinghurst Mark , Lee Gun
Published: September 2016

Visual search performance was studied using auditory cues delivered over a bone conduction headset. Two types of auditory cues were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of such cues in an attention redirection task. Participants were required to locate and shoot targets at one of four locations on a screen when one of the two audio cues was delivered. Reaction and target acquisition times were significantly reduced when the binaurally spatialised cues were used compared to unlocalisable, monophonic cues. This appears to suggest that an auditory cue with directional information is far superior at aiding search tasks or alerting the user to redirect attention in the real-world space in comparison to a centered ‘monophonic’ cue. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a binaurally spatialised, dynamic cue and point to its potential use in an information rich environment to provide useful and actionable information.
Threshold of Spearcon Recognition for Auditory Menus
Authors: Sabic Edin , Chen Jing
Published: September 2016

The present study examined aspects of a type of auditory feedback that aims at making interactions with menus more efficient. Specifically, manipulations were made to the auditory counterparts of common computer commands and unrelated words to examine identification performance. By investigating the point at which sped-up versions of text-to-speech, spearcons, can be identified accurately as words, the boundaries at which the efficiency of spearcon use begins to decline can be better defined. Additionally, by examining the effect of category membership on speed and accuracy of spearcon identification, whether an overarching category can facilitate spearcon use can be examined. Results in two experiments demonstrated that spearcon identification began to decline drastically after linear compression leading to 40% of the original audio length. Reaction time data also demonstrated that spearcon efficiency began to decline after the same level of linear compression. Efficiency scores combining reaction time and accuracy also supported the bottom limit of spearcons at 40% of original audio length.
Two is company, three is a crowd
Authors: Pitts Brandon , Sarter Nadine
Published: September 2016

In many data-rich and safety-critical environments, multimodal displays (i.e., displays that present information in the visual, auditory, and tactile channels) are employed to support operators in dividing their attention across numerous tasks and sources of information. However, limitations of this approach are not well understood. Specifically, most research on the effectiveness of multimodal interfaces has examined the processing of only two concurrent signals in different modalities, mainly in vision and hearing. Anecdotal evidence and one empirical study (Hecht & Reiner, 2009) suggest that a person will likely fail to notice one or more signals when presented simultaneously with three or more unrelated multimodal stimuli. Therefore, the goals of this study were to (1) determine the extent to which people can notice and process three unrelated concurrent signals in different sensory channels and (2) whether and how this ability is modulated by age. Adults aged 65 years and older were of particular interest because individuals in this category represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008), are known to suffer from various declines in sensory abilities (e.g, Li & Lindenberger, 2002; Stuart-Hamilton, 2012), and experience difficulties with divided attention (e.g., McDowd, Vercruyssen & Birren, 1991; Somberg & Salthouse, 1982) in general. Twelve younger (mean age: 23 years) and twelve older (mean age: 68 years) adults were presented with a series of singles, pairs, and triplets of visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli and asked to verbally indicate the modality of cue(s) they detected. The duration of each signal combination was one second. Prior to the task, crossmodal matching was performed to ensure that, subjectively, the stimuli were of equal intensity. Overall, the older adult group error rate was higher than that of the younger group (i.e., 3.3% and 0.98%, respectively). In particular, older adults often failed to notice the tactile cue when all three cues were combined. They also sometimes falsely reported the presence of a visual cue when presented with a combination of auditory and tactile cues. The findings from this work will be discussed in terms of underlying sensory and perceptual mechanisms. They will help inform the design of multimodal displays and ensure their usefulness across different age groups.
Vigilance and Fatigue
Authors: Eisert Jesse , Di Nocera Francesco , Baldwin Carryl , Lee John , Stephen Higgins J. , Helton William S. , Hancock Peter
Published: September 2016

Many everyday tasks, such as driving and reading technical reports, require sustained attention. These tasks may deplete attentional resources and/or lead to mind wandering, boredom and fatigue – cognitive states that result in impaired performance. Numerous competing theories exist to explain these performance decrements. In this panel, we will examine perspectives from both the fatigue and vigilance literatures, identifying points of common ground and differences in an attempt to further understand the underpinnings of performance decrements in tasks that require sustained attention. Experts in the interrelated yet frequently viewed as disparate areas of fatigue and vigilance are brought together to forge new theoretical ground.
Making Sense of Mobile Eye-Tracking Data in the Real-World
Authors: Fong Allan , Hoffman Daniel , Ratwani Raj M.
Published: September 2016

Stationary eye-tracking technology has been used extensively in human-computer interaction to both understand how humans interact with computers and as an interaction mechanism. Mobile eye-tracking technology is becoming more prevalent, yet the analysis and annotation of mobile eye-tracking data remains challenging. We present a novel human-in-the-loop approach for mobile eye-tracking data analysis that dramatically reduces resource requirements. This method incorporates human insight in a semi-automatic decision making process, leveraging both computational power and human decision making abilities. We demonstrate the accuracy of this approach with eye movement data from two real-world use cases. Average accuracy across the two environments is 82.3%. Our approach holds tremendous promise and has the potential to open the door to more robust eye movement studies in the real-world.
Contributing factors to slip, trip, and fall fatalities at surface coal and metal/nonmetal mines
Authors: Nasarwanji Mahiyar F.
Published: September 2016

Previous work has been done in the mining industry to identify contributing factors for injuries based on MSHA reports of fatalities and non-fatal injuries. Although slips, trips, and falls account for a large proportion of fatalities and non-fatal injuries, the contributing factors associated with these incidents have not been adequately documented in the mining industry. To this end, publically available MSHA reports describing fatalities were coded to identify job categories, activities, causal factors, and contributing factors for slip, trip, and fall fatalities at surface mining facilities. Laborer, equipment operator, mechanic/maintenance man, and supervisor/management/trainer were the job categories associated with a large proportion of fatalities. Maintenance and repair has been shown to be a hazardous task, and it was also found to result in slips, trips, and falls fatalities. In addition, installation, construction, and dismantling were common tasks at the time of the incidents. The cause of most fatalities involved a fall from height for both the coal and metal/nonmetal sectors, with falling through an opening, failure of the ground/equipment, or being ejected from/thrown off of equipment being secondary causes. The most common contributing factor was the lack of fall protection or inappropriate use of fall protection. Inadequate barriers, equipment- related factors, and a lack of adequate operating procedure were also identified as contributing factors. To prevent slip, trip, and fall fatalities, it is recommended that (1) special attention be placed on maintenance, repair, construction, and dismantling activities, (2) appropriate and adequate barriers are installed when needed to prevent inadvertent access, (3) equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and (4) employees are provided appropriate safety equipment, safe working procedures are established and followed, and adequate training is provided.
Incorporation of Human and Organizational Factors in Incident Investigation Processes – The Practitioners Perspective
Authors: Dodshon Philippa , Hassall Maureen
Published: September 2016

Serious incidents continue to occur in industry. Irrespective of industry type and work task the same types of incidents are continuing to repeat themselves and the same conclusions drawn regards the role of the human operator in incident development. Although substantial amounts of research has been undertaken to understand the human contribution to organizational incidents little research has been done to explore whether or how these discoveries have been implemented in the field. To address this gap we surveyed industry practitioners to determine their perspectives on the use of human and organizational factors analysis as part of current incident investigation processes. Results showed that the majority of practitioners indicated that human and organizational factors analysis was already being implemented to some degree in current incident investigation processes. However they also indicated that threats existed to successful identification of human and organizational factors issues and the subsequent implementation of recommendations to address them.
Human-factoring a military Quick Reference Guide (QRG)
Authors: Colombo Daniel J. , Chavez Lisa , Weaver Melissa
Published: September 2016

After receiving feedback that a specific military Quick Reference Guide (QRG) was not helping the target user group perform their job, a human factors effort was undertaken to improve the general usability of the document. In researching the best path forward for enacting usability improvements, the authors found no shortage of literature on the subject of website “help” sections or general instructional documentation, but discovered an unfortunate dearth of materials pertaining to the human factors of QRGs. A novel method was therefore established, consisting of three-steps: (1) physical structure assessment, (2) a re-organization of contents to better match user mental models, and (3) comparison against a tailored human factors checklist. While the human factors effort described in this paper is ongoing, preliminary changes have been well-received by the targeted user group, and future work has been identified.
Intelligent Agent Transparency
Authors: Stowers Kimberly , Kasdaglis Nicholas , Newton Olivia , Lakhmani Shan , Wohleber Ryan , Chen Jessie
Published: September 2016

We evaluated the usability and utility of an unmanned vehicle management interface that was developed based on the Situation awareness–based Agent Transparency model. We sought to examine the effect of increasing levels of agent transparency on operator task performance and perceived usability of the agent. Usability and utility were assessed through flash testing, a focus group, and experimental testing. While usability appeared to decrease with the portrayal of uncertainty, operator performance and reliance on key parts of the interface increased. Implications and next steps are discussed.
Effects of Auditory Working Memory Tasks while Switching between Autonomous and Manual Driving
Authors: McCarty Madeleine , Funkhouser Kelly , Zadra Jonathan , Drews Frank
Published: September 2016

As the prevalence of autonomous vehicles onto the road increases, understanding the cognitive processes of the inevitably distracted driver is important. When engaged in a secondary task while driving, the driver’s limited supply of attentional resources is diminished, resulting in less attention available to process the unpredictable road ahead. While driving distracted causes performance to suffer across the board (Fitousi & Wenger, 2011), some individuals are more apt at multitasking than others due to a high working memory capacity (WMC). We evaluated the differences in braking reaction times (RT) according to individual difference in WMC, specifically while driving in an autonomous car simulation and engaged in a cognitively demanding task. Results showed an interaction between current level of cognitive load and an individual’s WMC where individuals who scored lower on a complex operation span task (OSPAN) experienced greater RTs compared to individuals who scored higher. Average RT during the autonomous scenario, in which OSPAN was concurrently performed, yielded a 33% increase in RT compared to baseline RT with the same OSPAN task. Additionally, sleep and length of time spent in autonomous mode influenced RT.
Using the Cooperative Board Game Pandemic to Study Teamwork
Authors: Anania Emily C. , Keebler Joseph R. , Anglin Katlin M. , Kring Jason P.
Published: September 2016

Teamwork is paramount in most modern-day career fields. It is important for Human Factors students and professionals to understand the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) requisite for excellent teamwork and to grasp the many hurdles that exist in appropriately measuring its major constructs. Although theories can be imparted didactically, and ideas for measurement discussed, conducting team-based research continues to be extremely difficult, in particular for measuring team behaviors. This paper discusses a potential remedy to this issue through the team-based game “Pandemic©.” For this game, players work together on teams of 2-4 individuals with the goal of curing a set of 4 diseases that are eradicating humanity. Pandemic forces individuals to be resourceful and work together - and exemplifies many of the behavioral, attitudinal and cognitive components of teamwork. This paper discusses: a) the KSAs, team processes, and measurable outcomes that can be studied through Pandemic, b) aspects of the environment in Pandemic that can be manipulated, and c) an example of a study currently underway using Pandemic.
The Effects of Olfactory Environmental Cues on Prospective Memory
Authors: Baldwin Natalee K. , Quinn Daniel B. , Pak Richard
Published: September 2016

The sense of smell is uniquely tied to brain regions involved in memory. Previous research shows that introducing the scent of a household cleaner into the experimental room will elicit more cleaning behaviors and increase recall for cleaning-related words. However, these findings are limited to retrospective memory. Prospective memory is remembering to complete a task in the future and accounts for up to 80% of every day memory problems. Because of the consequences of prospective memory failures, it is vital to find ways to reduce these failures. While scent has been shown to modify behavior in a retrospective memory context, little is known about the effects of scent on prospective memory. The current study seeks to extend previous research on scent and memory into a prospective memory paradigm.
A Human Factors Perspective on Ethical Concerns of Vehicle Automation
Authors: Kumfer Wesley J. , Levulis Samuel J. , Olson Megan D. , Burgess Richard A.
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a knowledge synthesis of ethical questions for the application of rational ethics theories to human factors in vehicle automation. First, a brief summary of ethical concerns related to transportation automation and human factors is presented. A series of theoretical questions are then posed for different levels of vehicle automation. Particular concerns relating to the Principle of Utility and the Principle of Respect for Persons are highlighted for low levels of automation, high levels of automation, and full automation through the use of theoretical scenarios. Although some recommendations are drawn from these scenarios, the primary purpose of this paper is to serve as a starting point to encourage discussion and collaboration between human factors professionals, engineers, policymakers, transportation officials, software programmers, manufacturers, and the driving public regarding realistic goals for automated vehicle implementation.
Reaction Times When Switching From Autonomous to Manual Driving Control
Authors: Funkhouser Kelly , Drews Frank
Published: September 2016

As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent in our everyday lives, we must succumb to the realities of technological deficiencies. Although a future of fully autonomous vehicles would be the pinnacle of safety and efficiency, the current reality leaves us in a transitional state requiring human interaction with autonomous systems. Therefore it is imperative to understand human-system interaction with the autonomous features in current and future technologies. To gain an improved understanding, we designed an investigational study to gain a better understanding of human performance parameters at the moment they relieve and regain control of autonomous systems. The current findings show that reaction time increases as time disengaged from the task of driving increases, regardless of cognitive engagement.
Validating Two Assessment Strategies for Visual and Cognitive Load in a Simulated Driving Task
Authors: Castro Spencer , Cooper Joel , Strayer David
Published: September 2016

With the emergence of vehicle-based technologies that could compete for attention due to visual and cognitive workloads in a driving environment, it is important to accurately assess the various components of potential distractions. Current Detection Response Task (DRT) measurements are sensitive to overall mental workload, but may not be useful for assessing visual workload. This study seeks to examine the ability of two unique extensions of DRTs to assess levels of cognitive and visual load in a lateral steering tracking task. Each DRT was tested in conditions that manipulated cognitive load, visual load, the combination of cognitive and visual load, and normal driving conditions. The data suggest that an altered design of the DRT may allow for reliable assessment of cognitive and visual loads simultaneously during a driving task. Measuring the components of different types of workload that lead to driver distraction may inform industry standards for assessing driver distraction in the vehicle.
Drivers’ calibration in self-evaluated performance
Authors: Horrey William J. , Lesch Mary F. , Liang Yulan
Published: September 2016

Drivers tend to hold favorable or optimistic views of their skills and abilities (e.g., Horswill et al., 2004), which can lead to situations where over-confident drivers are ill-equipped (Gregersen, 1996). In addition to general self-evaluations of skills, drivers can also make erroneous estimates of their own performance and of current task demands, possibly leading to poor decisions or failures to adjust behavior to mitigate risk (e.g., Horrey et al., 2015). Gaps between perceptions, self-evaluations and objective measures have been likened to the notion of calibration.
Evaluation of New Lane Reduction Markings
Authors: Balk Stacy A. , Jackson Steven , Shurbutt Jim
Published: September 2016

Roadway lane reduction transitions have long been reported to be problematic to drivers. It is not known whether this is the result of a lack of understanding of lane reduction markings, a simple failure to comply with such markings, or other unknown factors. This study explored driver comprehension of six different lane reduction markings. The markings varied in terms of the incorporation and length of dotted and broken lines. In addition, half of the markings included a solid white line adjacent to the dotted/broken line. The supplemental solid white line resulted in improved understanding that the rightmost lane would end, earlier reported lane changes, and the highest preference ratings. Dotted lines also resulted in better understanding of an upcoming necessary lane change than did the longer, more traditional broken lane lines. Recommendations and suggestions for lane reduction marking changes to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are made.
On-Road Effectiveness of a Tablet-Based Teen Driver Training Intervention
Authors: Zafian Tracy M. , Samuel Siby , Coppola Jennifer , O’Neill Erin G. , Romoser Matthew R.E. , Fisher Donald L.
Published: September 2016

The largest cause of novice driver crashes is their inexperience, causing both failures to anticipate hazards and to maintain attention to the forward roadway. A number of computer-based training programs have been shown to improve novice drivers’ hazard anticipation and attention maintenance skills. The Engaged Driver Training System (EDTS) is a computer tablet-based program targeted at teaching novice drivers both, to anticipate latent hazards and decrease distracting activities in the presence of such hazards. Previous simulator testing of EDTS has found it to be effective at improving latent hazard anticipation and decreasing distraction. This current study extends that research by conducting an on-road evaluation of EDTS, and by examining the impact of training parents along with their teens. This evaluation found that EDTS-trained teens showed better hazard anticipation on-road than the placebo-trained teens. Teens who participated with their parents in training identified a higher proportion of latent hazards than teens who did not participate with their parents, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Use of Micro-Scenarios to Reduce the Effects of Simulator Sickness in Training Intervention Studies
Authors: Schneider Craig , Hajiseyedjavadi Foroogh , Zhang Jingyi , Romoser Matthew , Samuel Siby , Knodler Michael , Fisher Donald
Published: September 2016

Older drivers are overrepresented in intersection crashes primarily because they fail to scan for potential threat vehicles after they enter a stop-controlled intersection. Existing simulator-based older driver training programs double the frequency of secondary glances that older drivers take up to two years after training. However, the simulator sickness dropout rate for this training is 40%. Two contributing factors to simulator sickness are 1) configuration of the driving simulator, and 2) duration of continuous simulator training. In this experiment, 91 older drivers were assigned to one of five groups: 3 simulator training groups, one passive training group, and one control group. Simulator training sessions were broken into segments of only 30-45 s in length. The effectiveness of the training was evaluated in the field. The most effective training was on a 3 screen simulator which doubled the frequency of secondary glances in the field and reduced simulator drop-out rates to 14.3%.
Extending the Detection Response Task to Simultaneously Measure Cognitive and Visual Task Demands
Authors: Cooper Joel M. , Castro Spencer C. , Strayer David L.
Published: September 2016

Objective: A set of 4 driving related tasks were used to evaluate the potential for a modified Detection Response Task (DRT) to simultaneously measure visual and cognitive task demands. Background: The accurate assessment of cognitive and visual tasks demands in driving has become increasingly important. As of yet, no simple, cost effective approach has been found to measure visual demands in complex, multimodal tasks. Methods: Two experiments are presented which evaluate an extension of the standard DRT methodology. The discriminate sensitivity of the experiments is tested using an integrated testing configuration, which systematically increased visual demand across four conditions. Results: Results suggest that the standard DRT configurations are highly tuned to selectively evaluate cognitive demand but that a variant of the system may be able to simultaneously evaluate changes in both visual and cognitive task demands. Conclusions: These data suggest that the simple, rapid, and reliable assessment of both visual and cognitive task demands is possible, even in highly fluid systems with non-constant visual task requirements.
Establishing the Link Between Usability and Student Satisfaction in Adaptive Online Learning
Authors: Stokes Thomas A. , Gillan Douglas J. , Braden Jeffery P.
Published: September 2016

Online courses present a new element to learners in college courses. Interfaces (web pages) take the place of an instructor as the primary information delivery system. In other words, a student’s learning experience is now tied to the quality of a course’s human- computer interaction. One emerging method of online course delivery is an adaptive course that tailors to individual students needs, abilities, or preferences. There has been much work done on the algorithms that allow the course to adapt to individual students, but there seems to be a lack of research into the usability of these interfaces and how their quality affects student performance and satisfaction. This paper presents some of the data that was collected in a larger, grant-supported project and establishes relationships between usability metrics (ease of use and perceived usefulness) and student satisfaction and outcome measures in adaptive-online courses.
Intermediate Neurodynamic Representations
Authors: Stevens Ronald , Galloway Trysha , Willemson-Dunlap Ann
Published: September 2016

We explored the possible linkages between expert observational ratings of team performance and the fluctuating neurodynamics of healthcare and submarine navigation teams while they conducted realistic training in natural settings. Second-by-second symbolic representations were created of team member’s electroencephalographic (EEG) power across the 1-40 Hz EEG spectrum, and quantitative estimates of the changing dynamics were calculated from the Shannon entropy of the data streams. Significant correlations were seen between the symbol streams entropy levels and ratings of team performance by observers using TeamSTEPPS® (healthcare), or Submarine Team Behavior Toolkit (submarine teams) rubrics. These results suggest that the frequency, magnitude, and / or durations of the teams’ neurodynamic fluctuations might reflect performance aspects detected by expert raters.
Live, Virtual and Constructive Training Fidelity (LVC TF) Special Session
Authors: Bolton Amy , Tucker Katherine P. , Priest Heather , McLean Angus , Beaubien Jeff , Stacy Webb , Wiggins Sterling , Wray Robert , Mooney John “Bam Bam”
Published: September 2016

Frequently, the human element is overlooked and regarded as an afterthought. For instance, training programs may teach workarounds for design issues rather than fixing them before building a system. However, diagnosing and identifying issues beforehand by looking at the whole system is difficult. In the Vision for Naval Aviation 2025, Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training is stated as fundamental to fleet readiness when faced with increasing threat capabilities and increasing cost to operate live aircraft. Further, the Chief Naval Office’s navigation plan cites LVC training as the goal for the PB-16 program to ensure sailors are “prepared, confident and proficient.” Thus, the issue of current training technologies not addressing the increasing threat has been identified. To address this, and include the human element, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) initiated the LVC Training Fidelity (LVC TF) program, specifically focused on the safety, fidelity and technological needs for LVC.
Training Effectiveness and Return on Investment
Authors: Moss Jason D. , Brimstin Jay A. , Champney Roberto , DeCostanza Arwen H. , Fletcher J. D. , Goodwin Gregory
Published: September 2016

In today’s research and development, and training communities, return on investment (ROI) and training effectiveness (TE) are critical factors that need to be considered up-front, during, and post deployment of a training technology/platform or program. In the past, TE may have been viewed as a construct separate to ROI; however, today, viewing TE in the same sentence as ROI has been accentuated. Panelists will discuss current and/or past experiences with TE and/or ROI. Perspectives from the military, training, and industry communities will be represented. Some topics that will be discussed are: should ROI and TE be viewed as separate constructs or a synergy, group and team TE, return on training investment, and measures and outcomes of TE and ROI.
Assessment of Technical Quality of Online Video Using Visualization in Place of Experience
Authors: Chignell Mark , Kaya Diba , Zucherman Leon , Jiang Jie
Published: September 2016

This paper introduces a new method to collect subjective ratings of Technical Quality (TQ) in disrupted video (DV). TQ is related to whether or not the video has disruptions such as impairments (re-buffering, perceived as freezing for a period of time followed by resumption of video playback) or failures (where the video playback stops part way through and fails to complete). The assessment method introduced in this paper avoids the confounding effects of content on TQ ratings and reduces the time and effort necessary to run experiments. Actual videos, as stimuli, are replaced with schematic representations of those videos. We ran an experiment with 37 participants to explore the viability of assessing TQ using visualizations instead of actual videos. The experiment had contrasting conditions that compared TQ ratings of actual videos, vs. schematic representations of videos. The results of the experiment showed that, with appropriate training, ratings of TQ made after viewing the visualizations only were similar to TQ ratings made after actually watching videos with corresponding impairments or failures.
An Agricultural Harvest Knowledge Survey to Distinguish Types of Expertise
Authors: Meusel Chase , Grimm Chase , Gilbert Stephen , Luecke Greg
Published: September 2016

Gaining insight into the unique characteristics of participants during user research is a valuable tool for both recruitment and understanding differences within the target population. This work describes an agricultural harvest knowledge survey that was created for user research studies that observed experienced combine operators driving a combine simulator in virtual crop fields. Two variations of the survey were designed, utilized, and evaluated in two separate studies. Both studies found a difference between low and high knowledge operators' performance on the knowledge survey in addition to performance differences. Based on the success of this survey as a population segmentation tool, the authors recommend three criteria for the design of future knowledge surveys in other domains: 1) use real world scenarios, 2) ensure question are neither too difficult nor too easy, and 3) ask the minimum number of questions to identify operator knowledge successfully. Future research aims to create a tool that can discern between system experts (with deep understanding of the system) and practice experts (who primarily have the wisdom of experience).
Marksmanship as a critical military occupational task
Authors: Mitchell K. Blake , Bossi Linda , Harper William , Larkin Gabriella , McNamara Jay , Palmer Christopher
Published: September 2016

A variety of methodologies are used to assess marksmanship performance, and while all are relevant, their constraints must be understood so that the portability and applicability of results are realized. Some measures are more appropriate for specific research questions than others. While some consider live fire to be the gold standard, it has several drawbacks. Many alternative methods (i.e., simulated target engagement) allow for controlled data collection and may be more appropriate than live fire, depending on their application and study design. The panelists represent a wide variety of experience conducting research investigating marksmanship performance, and applying a range of marksmanship tools and metrics for different applications. This panel will discuss the relative merits and limitations of their approaches (tools, metrics, methods, engagement scenarios) in an effort to provide the landscape of current approaches and issues in marksmanship performance research.
Developing and Validating an English Version of the meCUE Questionnaire for Measuring User Experience
Authors: Minge Michael , Thüring Manfred , Wagner Ingmar
Published: September 2016

Based on the Component model of User Experience (CUE), a standardized questionnaire (meCUE) was developed measuring key aspects of user experience (UX) for interactive products. The questionnaire consists of 34 items and covers four components: product perceptions (usefulness, usability, visual aesthetics, status, commitment), user emotions (positive, negative), consequences of usage (intention to use, product loyalty), and overall judgment. The modules were separately validated in a series of studies. Therefore, meCUE can be easily adapted to specific research goals by simply choosing those modules which are required. The original German questionnaire was translated into an English version that was validated in an online study. Fifty-eight native English speakers assessed a wide variety of interactive products, such as cell phones, digital cameras, PCs, laptops, tablets, software and mobile applications. Results show that the English version reliably assesses the key components of UX and that the internal consistency of its scales is high.
Measuring Glance Legibility of Wearable Heads-Up Display Interfaces Using an Adaptive Staircase Procedure
Authors: Ho Anson , Maritan Catherine , Sullivan Jeffery , Cheng Eric , Cao Shi
Published: September 2016

Heads-up displays (HUDs) are growing in popularity and utility, providing novel ways to interact with environments and other individuals. HUD interfaces must allow users to quickly view information without distracting them from their primary task. We test the use of an adaptive staircase as a method to investigate the glance legibility of two Google Glass heads-up display interfaces. Glance legibility refers to an interface’s legibility when viewed in short amounts of time (also known as glance-like conditions). We measure glance legibility by the minimum presentation time required to read an interface and respond correctly to a yes-no question. The applications of this research can help inform the design and evaluation of future heads-up display interfaces under glance-like conditions.
Scale Size of the Air Traffic Workload Input Technique (ATWIT)
Authors: Fincannon Thomas , Ahlstrom Vicki
Published: September 2016

Objective: This paper uses a review of previous studies to provide a recommendation for the optimal scale size of the Air Traffic Workload Input Technique (ATWIT). Background: The ATWIT is a measure of workload that was originally a 10-point scale, but subsequent research includes a 7-point variation of this scale. Scale size is known to impact assessment reliability, and more reliable scales produce stronger effect sizes and reduce costs that are associated with experimentation. Therefore, it is important to know whether the 7-point or 10-point version of the scale is more reliable. Method: The authors conducted a preliminary meta-analysis of 15 studies. The analysis examined correlations between ratings using the ATWIT and aircraft count (an objective measure of difficulty) to compare effect sizes across studies with a 7-point scale and a 10-point scale. Results: Findings indicated that the strength of the correlation between ATWIT ratings and aircraft count was greater for the 10-point version of the ATWIT than for the 7-point version. Conclusion: The 10-point scale appears to be more appropriate for the ATWIT. However, the authors recommend further research to examine and control for the effects of potential confounds.
Evaluating Demands Associated with the Use of Voice-Based In-Vehicle Interfaces
Authors: Reimer Bryan , Angell Linda , Strayer David , Tijerina Louis , Mehler Bruce
Published: September 2016

This panel addresses current efforts associated with the evaluation of demands associated with the use of voice-based in-vehicle interfaces. As generally implemented, these systems are perhaps best characterized as mixed-mode interfaces drawing upon varying levels of auditory, vocal, visual, manual and cognitive resources. Numerous efforts have quantified demands associated with these systems and several have proposing evaluation methods. However, there has been limited discussion in the scientific literature on the benefits and drawbacks of various measures of workload; appropriate reference points for comparison (i.e. just driving, visual-manual versions of the task one is looking to replace, etc.); the relationship of demand characteristics to safety; and practical design considerations that can be gleamed from efforts to date. Panelists will discuss scientific progress in the topic areas. Each panelist is expected to present a brief perspective followed by discussion and Q&A.