bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Predictive Workload Component of the Multimodal Information Design Support (Mids) System
Authors: Hale Kelly S. , Reeves Leah M. , Axelsson Par , Stanney Kay M.
Published: January 2012

Operators in military C4ISR environments are required to rapidly assess and respond to critical events accurately while monitoring ongoing operations. In order to assist in designing complex display systems to support C4ISR operators, it is critical to understand when and why information displayed exceeds human capacity. Common metrics for evaluating operator overload are subjective report, which rely on self-reporting techniques (e.g., NASA/TLX, SART). A new design tool, the Multimodal Information Design Support (MIDS) system, predicts times of operator overload and offers multimodal design guidelines to streamline cognitive processing, thus alleviating times of operator workload and optimizing situation awareness. This paper empirically validates MIDS” predictive power in determining situations which may cause operator overload by comparing MIDS output to subjective reports of workload and SA during C4ISR operations. Future studies will validate MIDS” design capabilities through redesign and evaluation of performance, workload and SA on the optimized C4ISR task environment.
Critical Features in Human Motion Simulation for Ergonomic Analysis
Authors: Reed Matthew P. , Chaffin Don B. , Faraway Julian
Published: January 2012

Digital human figure models (DHM) are increasingly the tools of choice for assessments of the physical ergonomics of products and workplaces. Software representations of users and workers are used to visualize people performing tasks of interest. Analyses have usually focused on clearance and reach in static postures, not because the actual tasks are static, but rather because DHM have lacked robust, accurate motion simulation capability. Research is underway at many institutions to develop improved motion simulation methods, drawing on a wide variety of methodologies from fields such as computer graphics, kinesiology, motor control, and robotics. Experience in the Human Motion Simulation Laboratory at the University of Michigan suggests that conventional metrics of accuracy for posture and movement prediction do not adequately capture the aspects of human movement that are most important for ergonomic analysis. This paper identifies and justifies a set of these critical features.
Is Peppermint an Ergogenic Aid to Athletic Performance?
Authors: MacKenzie Cheryl M. , Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effects of a claimed ergogenic aid, peppermint odor inhalation, on running performance, under different experimenter-induced odor expectancy conditions. Eighteen fit, young women subjects performed 3 × ¼-mile runs, under three randomly assigned treatments: peppermint-scented mask; unscented mask; and no mask. Each subject was also given either a positive, negative, or neutral expectancy information message regarding peppermint's influence on performance. Results showed that neither peppermint inhalation nor expectancy information had any significant effect on running time. However, expectancy information did slow the running times of high positive affect subjects. Subjects receiving negative information showed significantly slower heart rates during the running task.
Patient Safety Climate (Psc) in Outpatient Surgery Centers — Part Two
Authors: Alvarado Carla J. , Carayon Pascale , Hundt Ann Schoofs
Published: January 2012

We report results of safety climate questions from health care professionals involved in the “Systems Engineering Intervention in Outpatient Surgery - a Collaborative Community Perspective” study undertaken at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Surveys were conducted in five outpatient surgery centers pre- and post-intervention. The objectives of this study were to examine patient safety climate across various outpatient surgery centers pre- and post-specific patient safety interventions and to examine the relationship between patient safety climate and job categories, individual outpatient centers and the respondents' Quality of Working Life (QWL). Our results indicate that four patient safety climate scales can be created from the pre- and post-intervention 12-item questionnaire: (1) Top management commitment to patient safety, (2) General patent safety climate, (3) Employee commitment to patient safety and (4) Patient safety change. In one of the survey centers, patient safety climate became more negative over time.
Cooperative Research Incentives: Lessons Learned Using Students as Experimental Subjects
Authors: Yauch Charlene A. , Navaresse Daniel O.
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews two experiments in which student volunteers were employed for research on cooperative and competitive behaviors. In both experiments the students were given the opportunity to earn incentive pay; the independent variable was the offering of incentives on either a competitive or cooperative basis. The researchers expected the incentives to influence the students' behaviors but found that some behaviors contradicted the expectations, particularly for the cooperative treatments. In both experiments, limited cooperation occurred despite the incentives offered. This paper presents a brief literature review, the experimental methods, incentives used, and instructions given to the subjects. It then reviews the behaviors observed and summarizes lessons learned to assist other researchers that want to minimize problems and increase validity when conducting research experiments where cooperation is expected or encouraged.
A Signal Detection Analysis of the Effects of Workload, Task-Critical and Likelihood Information on Human Alarm Response
Authors: Bustamante Ernesto A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of task-critical and likelihood information on participants' sensitivity and bias to alarm signals under varying levels of workload. Participants performed a complex primary task at the same time they performed a secondary task. Likelihood information was manipulated through the use of either a Binary Alarm System (BAS) or a Likelihood Alarm System (LAS). As expected, task-critical and likelihood information significantly increased participants' sensitivity, and this varied across workload levels. Participants benefited from task-critical information only when they were interacting with the BAS. However, participants benefited from likelihood information regardless of task-critical information, particularly under high-workload conditions. Furthermore, task-critical information increased participants' response bias under low workload, making them less likely to respond to alarm signals. These results demonstrated the superior advantage of an LAS over a traditional BAS and showed support for the use of an LAS as a way to mitigate the cry-wolf effect above and beyond task-critical information.
Magnitude Estimation of Velocity in the X, Y, and Z Axes
Authors: Thompson Sommer N. , Bailey Nathan R. , Scerbo Mark W.
Published: January 2012

The present study examined the perception of velocity along different axes. Participants viewed the movement of two small circles on a computer display and gave verbal responses for the perceived velocity of one of the circles relative to the other using the psychophysical method of magnitude estimation. Stimuli were presented along the x, y, and z axes. Other variables included direction traveled, time and distance constant, and velocity. Movement in the z axis was represented through angular expansion. As expected, results indicated that velocity judgments increased with increases in stimulus velocity. Perceived velocity was expected to be higher for vertical as compared to horizontal stimuli. The results provided partial support for this hypothesis. Estimates for velocity along the z axis were qualitatively different than for the other two axes. Further, velocity estimates depended upon whether the time or distance was held constant and suggest that the perception of velocity is tied to both spatial and temporal properties of the stimuli.
An Eye-Tracking Approach to Inattentional Blindness
Authors: Pappas Jennifer M. , Fishel Stephanie R. , Moss Jason D. , Hicks Jacob M. , Leech Teri D.
Published: January 2012

Inattentional blindness, the act of failing to notice clearly visible, salient objects in one's environment when engaged in a task, is of great interest due to both its commonality and its overall applications. This study attempted to objectively support previous claims made about the inattentional blindness phenomenon using eye tracking data. It was found that even when a stimulus crossed the fovea, not all individuals saw it. It was also discovered that some participants managed to notice the stimulus without fixating on it, in direct opposition to a hypothesis stating that fixation was required to notice a stimulus.
Taxonomy of Discretely Manufactured Products for Making Ergonomic Considerations
Authors: Nwaigwe Adaeze , Nnaji Bart
Published: January 2012

There are hundreds of thousands of everyday products — from screws and pens to washing machines. Each of these products has certain ergonomic rules that are necessary for designing them for safety and comfort. To efficiently and concisely capture ergonomic design rules relevant to the great variety of products, this paper applied group technology in categorizing discrete manufactured products for ergonomic design. The method of classification was on the basis of user-actions on such products. Ten classes were determined and corresponding ergonomic rules pertinent to each class were stipulated. The taxonomy showed its robustness by accurately determining ergonomic rules relevant to the design of several products. The potential application of this work is to computer-aided design.
Assessing the Distributed Nature of Home Health Information Management to Inform Human Factors Design
Authors: Zayas-Cabán Teresa
Published: January 2012

In order to gain a deeper and more complete understanding of the job of health information management in the home, case studies of four families were carried out. Examination of household layouts, photographs and health information storage behaviors shows that health information is distributed across the household. This information is distributed across spaces. Storage patterns can be associated with where or when the information is used, frequency and urgency of use, and ownership. Using a human factors approach to understanding storage patterns can be of benefit to consumer health informatics designers in developing unique tools to support distributed home health information use.
Effect of Sand on the Slipperiness of Ice
Authors: Johnson Daniel
Published: January 2012

Ice on walkway surfaces increases the chance that a pedestrian will slip and fall. Sand in the amount of 2.2 lb/100 ft2(10.8 kg/100 m2) increases slip resistance to about 0.5, the commonly accepted minimum slip resistance for a flat, straight walking surface. Ice covered with a layer of water has about the same level of slip resistance but could be more dangerous since the ice may not be perceived.
Cognitive Change in Special Forces Personnel following Stressful Survival Training
Authors: Harris W. C. , Hancock P. A. , Morgan C. A.
Published: January 2012

Understanding the deterioration in cognitive functioning produced by stress continues to gain in importance due to the increasing demands imposed by technologically sophisticated systems. Although the general deleterious effects of stress are well established, the relative sensitivity of different cognitive functions to stress and the pattern of cognitive recovery with rest have not been fully distinguished. In this paper, we examined the cognitive performance of Special Forces soldiers immediately prior to and immediately following one week of Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School training at Ft. Bragg, NC. Post-stress cognitive performance was characterized by significantly increased response time with minimal change in response accuracy. While response time increased for all tasks, memory appears to be most sensitive to stress. Performance returned to pre-stress levels the next morning following one night of sleep. The tasks affected most in the current study differed from changes which follow primarily upon physical stress, implying that the effects of combined psychological and physical stress on cognitive performance differ substantively from the effects of physical demand alone.
A Semantic Relatedness Paradigm for Assessing Comprehension of Warning Symbols
Authors: Lesch Mary F.
Published: January 2012

In order to avoid critical misunderstandings, comprehension of warning symbols must be assessed prior to use. This study implemented a new method for testing warning symbols — a semantic relatedness task with paired-response contingent scoring. The participant views the symbol with a label and is asked whether the label conveys the meaning of the symbol. On some trials the label is correct whereas, on others, distractors are presented. A symbol is “understood” only if the respondent accepts the correct answer and rejects all alternatives. 48 participants were tested on twenty-eight warning symbols using a semantic relatedness task and a staged questionnaire (Davies et al., 1998). Three types of knowledge were assessed: 1) the symbol's verbal label, 2) required or prohibited actions, and 3) consequences of failing to comply. There was a strong correspondence in scores across the two methods. It is concluded that the semantic relatedness task is an attractive alternative to open-ended and multiple-choice test methods.
Human Reliability Analysis in the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry: A Comparison of Atomistic and Holistic Methods
Authors: Boring Ronald L. , Gertman David I. , Joe Jeffrey C. , Marble Julie L.
Published: January 2012

A variety of methods have been developed to generate human error probabilities for use in the US nuclear power industry. When actual operations data are not available, it is necessary for an analyst to estimate these probabilities. Most approaches, including THERP, ASEP, SLIM-MAUD, and SPAR-H, feature an atomistic approach to characterizing and estimating error. The atomistic approach is based on the notion that events and their causes can be decomposed and individually quantified. In contrast, in the holistic approach, such as found in ATHEANA, the analysis centers on the entire event, which is typically quantified as an indivisible whole. The distinction between atomistic and holistic approaches is important in understanding the nature of human reliability analysis quantification and the utility and shortcomings associated with each approach.
Spatial Orientation with a Prominent Hallway Landmark
Authors: Douglas Lisa J. , Colle Herbert A.
Published: January 2012

The design of 3-D perspective interfaces can be facilitated by using virtual room displays for spatially organizing information inside of rooms, but additional design methods are needed to enhance between-room spatial knowledge. To evaluate its potential as a design enhancement, a prominent landmark in the hallway between the rooms was compared with a no landmark condition. Participants navigated a shopping center via hallways on a desktop virtual environment. Pointing and sketch map data were obtained as measures of configural (or survey) spatial knowledge for objects in the same store or in different stores. A robust “room effect” was found. Spatial knowledge was better for objects in the same store than for objects in different stores. However, the landmark had little or no effect on between-store spatial knowledge. These results suggest that landmarks may not be effective at enhancing the design of 3-D human-computer interfaces.
Effects of Haptic Brake Pulse Warnings on Driver Behavior during an Intersection Approach
Authors: Brown Sarah B. , Lee Suzanne E. , Perez Miguel A. , Doerzaph Zachary R. , Neale Vicki L. , Dingus Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

Intersection crashes account for nearly a quarter of all police reported crashes, and 39% of these result in injury or death. In this experiment, haptic warnings were explored as an alternative to auditory and visual warnings as part of an overall effort to reduce the number of intersection related crashes. The study objective was to determine the haptic brake pulse warning candidate that most often results in the driver successfully stopping for an intersection. Five candidate brake pulse warnings were tested; these varied with respect to length and number of pulses. Significant differences were found between haptic conditions for peak and constant deceleration. Participants receiving the haptic warning were 38 times more likely to stop than those receiving no warning.
Using an Event-Detection Measure to Assess Drivers' Attention and Situation Awareness
Authors: Gugerty Leo , Falzetta Melissa
Published: January 2012

In this paper we describe an event-detection measure for assessing drivers' attention and situation awareness during driving, and present data from a study using this measure. In this study, drivers detected traffic events directly in front of them most frequently, events in an oncoming front lane less frequently, and events behind them least often. Drivers also detected swerve events more frequently than deceleration events. We compare the event-detection measure to other measures of attention and situation awareness used to assess driving: the SAGAT technique (Endsley, 1995), implicit-performance measures (Durso & Gronlund, 1999), and the flicker paradigm (Richard, Wright & Ee, 2002). Each of the above measures has advantages and disadvantages, and no single measure is optimal. However, we argue that the eventdetection measure has some advantages over other techniques in answering questions regarding mechanisms of attention allocation and attention capture and how these two mechanisms interact during driving.
Surviving the International Usability Test: Tools and Strategies for a Successful Outcome
Authors: Peterson M. Kathryn , Parker Leigh Lammert
Published: January 2012

International usability testing presents unique challenges for planning and conducting labs. Many factors that affect the design and execution of an international study — factors such as travel requirements, participant recruiting, test plan and interface localization, translation, and legal agreements — make the challenges seem insurmountable. However, increasing preparation time, using local resources, and utilizing remote user testing tools will significantly reduce costs and barriers to success.
Applying the Narrative form and XML Metadata to Debriefing Simulation-Based Exercises
Authors: Johnston Joan H. , Fiore Stephen M. , McDaniel Rudy
Published: January 2012

We suggest that narrative techniques can be used in conjunction with debriefing tools to aid in the framing of complex distributed team activities. We suggest that modified narrator perspectives (points of view) can be useful in debriefs for individuals and teams to improve interpositional knowledge (IPK) on a post-process level, and can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, more traditional types of pre-task training which occur through techniques such as cross-training. We conclude with an example framework for modified narrative perspective debriefing that is created using the extensible Markup Language.
A Task Analysis of U.S. Army War-Gaming: Implications for Assessing the Performance of Combined Arms Task Force Battle Staffs
Authors: Cianciolo Anna T. , Sanders William R.
Published: January 2012

To inform ongoing efforts to assess war-gaming performance, we sought to identify, develop, and validate techniques for assessing the war-gaming effectiveness of U.S. Army National Guard officers in training. Through extensive literature review, consultation with subject matter experts, and observation, we have achieved a more in-depth understanding of the war-gaming process than has previously been accomplished. We have identified what individual and team competencies should be targeted to assess student war-gaming and to diagnose performance deficits in a variety of instructional settings. We have developed assessments to capture a subset of these competencies and have administered these assessments to National Guard officers enrolled in the distance-learning version of the Armor Captains' Career Course, taught through the U.S. Army Armor School. Qualitative analysis of the data collected tentatively suggests that our assessments are valid and that the competencies we measured may be those used to make intuitive, expert judgments of student performance.
Agent-Based Training of Distributed Command and Control Teams
Authors: Cohen Joseph , Imada Andrew
Published: January 2012

We developed and tested a partner agent for training distributed teams on a DDD/AWACS simulation. We compared 3 conditions that were identical on test trials but differed on practice trials, which had either human partners, agent partners, or no partners (control). Each condition had 20 four-member teams who trained for about 8 hrs each. Relative to the control condition, practicing with human partners and agent partners afforded about the same substantial advantage. Comparisons with formative testing suggested that the advantage of the agent partner depended on the agent responding quickly and adaptively to trainee demands. The results extended the foundation for developing and testing agent-based training in operational settings.
Increasing Training Efficiency Using Embedded Pedagogical Tools in a Combat Flight Simulator
Authors: Nahlinder Staffan , Berggren Peter , Persson Bjorn
Published: January 2012

Many flight simulators today are made to provide a realistic environment for training. However, they often lack the possibility of providing pedagogical feedback to the person in training as well as feedback to any instructor leading the training. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the usefulness of several pedagogical tools embedded in a flight simulator and to examine their potential for increasing training efficiency. Twenty students and instructors from the Swedish Air Force Flying Training School volunteered in this study. Seven embedded pedagogical tools were assessed using questionnaires. There was a quite consistent opinion in favor of the pedagogical tools implying that the embedded pedagogical tools is the way forward in training simulator development. The results from the present study are believed to be equally valid in many other areas besides flight simulators.
The Perception and Estimation of Egocentric Distance in Real and Augmented Reality Environments
Authors: Jerome Christian , Witmer Bob
Published: January 2012

The perception of distance to real and virtual objects using two methods of distance estimation (verbal estimation and manual replication) along a 110 foot hallway was tested. Results suggest that verbal estimates of distance may not accurately reflect perceived distances. Replication procedure significantly improves the estimation of the previously viewed object distance. Furthermore, the effects of distance judgment method were greater than were the effects of environment type. The magnitude of the distance judgment error was considerably larger for the estimation condition in the real environment than it was for the replication condition in the augmented environment. These results lend further support to the notion that verbal estimates of distance do not accurately represent perceived distance. Unless the task being performed specifically requires a numerical estimate of distance, it is recommended that methods similar to our distance replication method be used to accurately determine perceived distance.
The Effects of Presence and Time of Exposure on Simulator Sickness
Authors: Jerome Christian , Darnell Richard , Oakley Brian , Pepe Aaron
Published: January 2012

This study explored the relationships among presence, simulator sickness, and length of simulator exposure. Previous research shows that presence and simulator sickness are negatively correlated with each other, but both have been found to be positively correlated with length of simulator exposure. The general goal of this research was to determine whether an interaction relationship existed. Results of the analysis provide evidence showing an interaction relationship (β = −1.08, p < .01; Fchange = 6.51, p < .01), i.e., at different levels of presence, simulator sickness increases at different rates over time. High presence led to less of an increase in simulator sickness over time than low presence.
The Effect of Air Traffic Increase on Controller Workload
Authors: Hah Sehchang , Willems Ben , Phillips Randy
Published: January 2012

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been increasing the National Airspace System (NAS) capacity to accommodate the predicted rapid growth of air traffic. One method to increase the capacity is reducing air traffic controller workload so that they can handle more air traffic. It is crucial to measure the impact of the increasing future air traffic on controller workload. Our experimental data show a linear relationship between the number of aircraft in the en route center sector and controllers' perceived workload. Based on the extensive range of aircraft count from 14 to 38 in the experiment, we can predict en route center controllers working as a team of Radar and Data controllers with the automation tools available in the our experiment could handle up to about 28 aircraft. This is 33% more than the 21 aircraft that en route center controllers typically handle in a busy sector.
Human Factors of Remotely Operated Vehicles
Authors: Cooke Nancy J.
Published: January 2012

From Hurricane Katrina to the war in Iraq and US border security, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) are taking a front seat. They can do work that is beyond human capabilities or that puts humans in harm's way. However, the fact that there are no humans in the vehicle is misinterpreted by some as no humans in the system. On the contrary, ROVs are complex systems that require much human involvement. There are many human factors issues ranging from remote control and soda straw displays to spatial disorientation and automation. Further, there are significant mishaps with a large portion attributed to human factors issues. This panel will describe the state-of-the art in human factors of ROVs through some examples of research in the area. In addition panelists will interact with the audience and address questions centering on the challenges, the constraints, and the successes of human factors considerations for ROVs.
Benefits and Privacy Concerns of a Home Equipped with a Visual Sensing System: A Perspective from Older Adults
Authors: Caine Kelly E. , Fisk Arthur D. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

Monitoring technology has the potential to allow older adults to remain in their homes longer than may otherwise be possible. However, often this monitoring technology captures images which may cause privacy concerns, especially when these images are captured in a home environment. We used Likert scales within a structured interview to investigate privacy concerns in an aware or smart home environment. Specifically, we were interested in how the type of image that was captured and the level of functioning of the person being monitored affected privacy concerns in a home environment. The data suggest that both device type as well as level of functioning affect privacy concerns in a variety of situations, providing the first evidence that certain privacy concerns are not independent of situation variables.
The Effects of Age and the Design of Web-Based Training on Computer Task Performance
Authors: Artis Sharnnia , Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

Given the use of computers in the workplace and homes and the increase in the number of older adults in the next 20 years, the use of computers by older adults is a significant issue that should be addressed (Czaja, 1996). Due to the decline in cognitive skills as individuals age, deficits in working memory can place older adults at a disadvantage when performing computer-interactive tasks (Salthouse, 1996). The objective of this study was to explore performance differences between younger adults (18–23 years old) and older adults (63–83 years old) being taught a computer task using a web-based training program. This study concluded that age-related differences were evident in training time, task completion time, and performance score. Results were discussed in terms of limitations and implications of older-adult centered training programs.
Using Work-Centered Specifications to Integrate Cognitive Requirements into Software Development
Authors: Wampler Jeffrey , Roth Emilie , Whitaker Randall , Conrad Kendall , Stilson Mona , Thomas-Meyers Gina , Scott Ronald
Published: January 2012

As Cognitive Engineering (CE) becomes mainstream, methods are needed to better integrate the unique cognitive requirements of the target users of a Human Computer Interface (HCI) into software development requirements and testing. This paper discusses a preliminary work-centered specification describing the key cognitive HCI elements of a complex work system that enhance situation awareness (SA) and decision making. The specification provides traceability from the cognitive requirements obtained during knowledge acquisition to specific display elements in the final design. This specification approach can be applied to any CE methodology. We are applying it to a working prototype currently being integrated into an operational system. We have elicited feedback from developers of the operational system regarding the content and usefulness of the specification as it applies to their software development processes. This paper highlights critical aspects of our inaugural work-centered specification.
A Framework for Considering Spatial-Temporal Representation Design in Air Traffic Control
Authors: Wong B.L. William , Rozzi Simone , Amaldi Paola , Woodward Peter , Fields Bob
Published: January 2012

In this paper we present a framework for considering the design of information visualisations intended to support 4D or spatial-temporal reasoning in Air Traffic Control. The Spatial-Temporal Framework was developed based on a cognitive task analysis of approach controllers. This work was conducted as part of a to develop a novel 4D interface for a possible future ATC system. A 4D interface is one that incorporates the visualisation of 3D space and time. The framework allows us to identify the spatial properties of a tactical ATC situation: objects, constraints and relationships; and how they are affected by the temporal attributes of the past, present, projected and intended actions. It is envisaged that this framework can provide guidance for our consideration and analytic assessment of new visualisation designs for a 4D interface.
Effect of Display Icon Modality on Situation Awareness
Authors: Strater Laura D. , Riley Jennifer M. , Faulkner Laurie A. , Hyatt John R. , Endsley Mica R.
Published: January 2012

The present study investigated the effectiveness of different icon modalities in supporting situation awareness (SA) when using a densely populated battlefield COP. The MilSTD 2525B symbology was compared to modified versions of this symbology that were either miniature or proportional, and the U.S. Army Research Lab's blobology concepts. ROTC cadets viewed a simulated military advance that displayed each of the four representation modalities with presentation order counterbalanced. At the end of each segment, cadets responded to a rapid battery of questions about their SA using the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). Participants also evaluated the different icon modalities in terms of both user preferences and the icons' perceived utility in supporting SA. Although participants perceived the current MilSTD 2525B representations as easiest for assisting them in monitoring friendly and enemy forces, the objective SAGAT measure showed that SA performance was highest using the proportional icon modality. Results are discussed in the context of designing unit representations to effectively support SA.
Peer-Mediated Leap to Efficiency: Cost-Benefit Analysis in the Selection of Efficient Strategies
Authors: Tamborello Franklin P. , Peres S. Camille , Fleetwood Michael D.
Published: January 2012

There is ample evidence that computer users often do not progress from novice to expert levels of performance, particularly when efficiency is included in the definition of performance. This paper describes a theoretical argument that one of the pieces missing in the understanding of this process is an accurate assessment of how people calculate a cost/benefit analysis (CBA) of learning and using new techniques and strategies. While there are many explanations for why people often do not use accurate methods of calculating this ratio, there is little discussion describing why some people do. We suggest that an important and predictable influence on whether an individual uses an accurate CBA is the observation of others using efficient techniques. We propose that with a more full understanding of the CBA calculation process, it will be possible to predict when users will and will not utilize a more efficient technique.
A Sociotechnical Systems Analysis of the Bse Epidemic in the Uk Through Case Study
Authors: Cassano-Piché Andrea , Vicente Kim J. , Jamieson Greg A.
Published: January 2012

In 1986, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was identified in the United Kingdom. Millions of BSE-infected cows and were slaughtered and over 150 people contracted variant-Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD), an inevitably fatal human form of BSE. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of Rasmussen's (1997) risk management framework to explain how and why BSE (and later vCJD) entered the human and animal food supply from 1986 to 1996. This study represents the first test of the ability of Rasmussen's framework to explain how and why accidents occur in the food production domain. Using a case study methodology, this study investigates how well the evidence of the case study supports the framework's seven predictions of how and why accidents occur in complex socio-technical systems. All seven of the predictions were supported by the evidence.
Comparison of the Cf Doctrinal and Applied Operational Planning Process
Authors: Martin Lora Bruyn , Rehak Lisa , Lamoureux Tab , Vokac Bob , Bryant David
Published: January 2012

Several alternative models of operational planning have been proposed that adopt an intuitive or recognition-primed decision strategy, compared to one that is analytical. Although these models have been generated from anecdotal reports and observations of planning in operational settings, a systematic comparison of doctrinal and applied planning processes has never been documented. This paper describes the work done to empirically compare the planning process, as applied during a Brigade (Bde) level exercise, to the doctrinal Canadian Forces (CF) Operations Planning Process (OPP). Observers followed and documented all of the planning functions performed by the Plans Cell using the CFOPP as a reference. Results suggest that: the applied OPP, conducted at Brigade level, is a hybrid and abbreviated version of doctrinal OPP; planning is somewhat opportunistic and involves intuitive decision making by both the Commander and Staff; the OPP, as applied in an operational setting, is a command-driven process, and, intuitive decision making at individual (lower) function level by Staff member could lead to more efficient planning. These results have implications for doctrine, training, OPP process refinement and planning tool design.
Neuro-Physiologically-Driven Adaptive Automation to Improve Decision Making Under Stress
Authors: Dorneich Michael C. , Ververs Patricia May , Whitlow Stephen D. , Mathan Santosh , Carciofini James , Reusser Trent
Published: January 2012

The advent of netted communications and a wide array of battlefield sensors is enabling real-time information streaming and asset management. However, the burden of information management is placed solely on the receiver of the information. Honeywell Laboratories developed a Communications Scheduler (CoS), an adaptive information management system for the dismounted Soldier, driven by an assessment of the individual's current cognitive capacity to process incoming information, in order to improve decision making under high task load conditions. An evaluation was conducted to demonstrate whether cognitive capacity to perform under differing task loads could be detected using neuro-physiological sensors and then if the adaptive automation would appropriately regulate information flow. Results revealed an improvement in primary task performance, no degradation in concurrent secondary tasks, and lower subjective workload ratings while performing cognitively challenging working memory tasks with the CoS, although a slight loss in situation awareness of lower priority message was found. The appropriate allocation of cognitive resources is key to managing multiple tasks, focusing on the most important ones, and maintaining overall situation awareness.
Human Performance with Vocal Cueing of Automation State Changes in an Adaptive System
Authors: Warren-Noell Heather L. , Kaber David B. , Sheik-Nainar Mohamed A.
Published: January 2012

Previous research on cueing of control mode changes in adaptive systems has focused on the use of visual cues with some work on complex auditory cues. Research has not explored the use of vocal cues for automation state changes and human performance implications. This study investigated vocal cues as feedback on adaptive robotic system states for supporting operator performance when responding to control mode transitions compared with visual (icons) and auditory (earcons) feedback. Thirty-two participants performed a virtual reality simulation of a telerobot-assisted underwater mine disposal task. Modal cues were presented with task phase changes and robot control mode changes. Cue type and complexity (length of messages) were varied between and within subjects, respectively. Operator performance was evaluated in terms of time-to-task completion, workload, and situation awareness. Results demonstrated vocal cues to be superior to simple visual icons and no cueing for performance. Earcons did not produce worse performance ratings than vocal cues for complex messages. The results of this study are applicable to the design of future automated systems.
Supporting the Strategies of Cardiac Nurse Coordinators Using Cognitive Work Analysis
Authors: Burns Catherine M. , Momtahan Kathryn , Enomoto Yukari
Published: January 2012

We conducted a cognitive work analysis to elicit the strategies of cardiac nurse coordinators (NCs). NCs field telephone calls from cardiology and cardiac surgery patients and make recommendations based on determinations of the severity of the patient's condition. We used a semi-structured interview technique to elicit various strategies. We then developed a decision making tool that deliberately supports these strategies. In this paper we discuss the elicitation of strategies and the transfer of these strategies into a design artifact.
Affective Factors: A Model of Cognition Under Emotional States
Authors: Rahman Moin
Published: January 2012

A range of aversive emotions, such as fear, anger and surprise, are automatically triggered when humans engage in mission critical tasks or operate in risky environments. These emotions modulate human cognition and behavior to protect and prevent from any harm being inflicted on them. Emotion accomplishes this by drawing attention to stimuli with emotional valence and by prioritizing the manner and order in which information processing occurs. It is known from research done in the neurosciences and social psychology that emotional states alter the cognitive processes non-consciously, well before the feelings of an emotion are perceived in the consciousness. Human information processing models, which inform and guide human factors research and practice, have not accounted for emotions. This paper presents a framework as to how emotions could be integrated into human information processing models. It does this by first demonstrating the primacy of emotional modulation of cognition, and its applicability to the field of human factors, particularly to the design of human-machine systems in mission critical domains.
Communication, Coordination, and Integration of Cognitive Work Analysis Outputs
Authors: Rehak Lisa A. , Lamoureux Tab M. , Bos Jeff C.
Published: January 2012

Cognitive Work Analysis is widely considered to offer a strong method for analysing domains that are not rigidly defined; where novel problem solving and unanticipated factors demand flexibility in operator performance. However, CWA is also thought to be unwieldy and time consuming. Recent work conducted on tight budgets has necessitated the development of methods to improve the coordination, integration and communication of work between CWA analysts. In particular, the use of Critical Decision Method for generating data, the use of exemplars for improving analysis validity and reliability, and the animation of outputs for communication purposes, have proven key in developing CWA-based design recommendations quickly and cost-effectively. This paper describes these efforts and provides some examples of the outputs.
Effects of Distributed Teamwork and Time Pressure on Collaborative Planning Quality
Authors: van der Kleij Rick , Rasker Peter C. , Lijkwan Jameela T. E. , de Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: January 2012

Distributed teamwork is not without its difficulties. The detrimental aspects of geographical dispersion of team members on effective teamwork are often invoked to justify reluctance “to go virtual”, despite the fact that for some tasks, and under some conditions, distributed environments may be as good as, or perhaps even better than, meeting face-to-face. To test this assertion we compared radio communication and a more sophisticated communication environment to colocated face-to-face meetings on a collaborative planning task. The planning task required 36 dyads, working under low or high time-pressure conditions, to combine information and to produce a written plan. Our results confirm the detrimental effects of time pressure on the quality of collaborative planning and support the notion that distributed teams can produce work that is as good as work produced in face-to-face meetings.
Integrating Collaborative Awareness in Synchronous Distributed Groupware
Authors: Yong Lim Tek , Khalid Halimahtun M. , Yeo Alvin W.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a model for integrating collaborative awareness in development of a synchronous distributed groupware, which was expected to enhance team collaboration in home modification tasks. The model, which is a synthesis of Situation Awareness and Activity theory, has three levels of collaborative awareness, comprising subject-collaborator member, object-outcome, spatial-temporal relationship, and mediation-projector components. These components were hypothesized to support remote collaborators in performing collaborative tasks effectively. We report the findings of the first-level perception that tested the importance of subject-collaborator member and object-outcome components in enhancing awareness. Our experiment revealed that both components were frequently acquired during collaboration. If only the subject-collaborator member component was available, subjects made several errors, and if only the object-outcome component was present, subjects could not achieve common ground, nor distribute the task easily, or share their customization errors. Therefore, a groupware that supported both subject-collaborator member and object-outcome component is preferred in collaborative task performance.
The Use of Partnered Usability Testing to Help to Identify Gaps in Online Work Flow
Authors: Davis Dianne , Tait Gordon , Bruce-Barrett Cindy
Published: January 2012

The Hospital for Sick Children developed a web based referral process to replace their current paper based referral system for the acceptance and management of referrals from community pediatricians and other health care professionals. Partnered usability testing, involving an external usability consultant and an internal project manager (i.e., a nurse at the hospital), familiar with the referral process as well as the prototype functionality was used to assess the prototype before completing the final development stage. The partnered usability sessions were a unique way to deal with the usability test of a very complex application that must accommodate multiple user groups as well as multiple and interlinked workflows. This approach was very successful in identifying ways in which the application did not capture some of the more fine grained details of work flow. The detection of some of the subtleties related to workflow would not have been possible without the participation of the internal project manager who was familiar with the minutia of the paper referral process in addition to the detailed functions of the prototype and its “missing” functionality. Details of the roles and steps involved in partnered usability testing are discussed as well as keys to successful implementation.
Network Intrusion Detection Cognitive Task Analysis: Textual and Visual Tool Usage and Recommendations
Authors: Thompson Ramona Su , Rantanen Esa M. , Yurcik William
Published: January 2012

A task analysis is conducted for the complex task of network security engineers, intrusion detection (ID) of computer networks. ID helps engineers protect network from harmful attacks and can be broken down into the following phases: pre-processing information, monitoring the network, analyzing attacks, and responding to attacks. Different cognitive loads are placed on the engineer at each phase. Engineers also need to integrate information from a variety of tools and resources, which adds additional cognitive workload. Visualization tools have been developed to alleviate these workloads but they have had limited success. To address this problem, we make two recommendations: (1) these tools should be designed for use across the phases of ID; this reduces the number of resources used therefore reducing the workload of integrating information across sources, and (2) visualization tools should allow concurrent use of textual tools and resources that provide detailed information and a powerful interface.
Applying the Gothi Model of Tactile and Haptic Interactions
Authors: Nesbitt Dr. Keith , Carter Dr. Jim
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses the emerging area of tactile and haptic display and some of the breadth of applications of tactile/haptic interactions. While many research studies have provided ergonomic insights into the design of tactile/haptic interactions, the many dimensions and properties of these interactions make it especially difficult to combine the guidance from these individual studies. The GOTHI-05 workshop (Guidelines on Tactile and Haptic Interactions, October 2005) brought researchers together to develop a collection of ergonomic guidance and a framework (the GOTHI model of tactile and haptic interaction (Carter, van Erp, et. al., 2005)) for organizing this guidance. The inaugural meeting of ISO TC159/SC4/WG9 further refined this framework and adopted it as the basis for structuring its new series ISO standards on tactile and haptic interactions. The model itself will be elaborated in ISO 9241-910 Framework for Tactile and Haptic Interactions. The model has already proven useful in identifying and organizing specific guidelines in the first drafts of ISO 9241-920 Guidance on Tactile and Haptic Interaction.

The paper discusses the various dimensions and properties of tactile/haptic interactions, identified in an expanded version of GOTHI model and identifies major considerations based on this model for use by developers (and potentially by evaluators) of interfaces that make use of tactile/haptic interactions ISO, 2006).