bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Speech Intelligibility, Morphological Confusions, and Redundancy on Task Performance
Authors: Whitaker Leslie A. , McCloskey Mike , Peters Leslie J.
Published: January 2012

Speech is a vital means of communication for completing many tasks. The speech intelligibility needed for successful communication may be degraded by ambient noise levels, poor communication equipment, or hearing impairments. The present research tested the impact of speech message content on task performance under conditions of degraded speech intelligibility. Sixteen subjects participated in a laboratory experiment using on a board game. Message redundancy, morphological confusions, and speech intelligibility were varied. Task performance and subjective workload were measured. Morphological confusions adversely affected performance (both speed and accuracy) and subjective workload (SWAT) to an increasingly greater extent as speech intelligibility decreased. High redundancy improved the accuracy of performance and subjective workload when speech intelligibility decreased; however, high redundant messages were longer and required more time to process than low redundant messages. These results extend earlier work which measured the impact of morphological confusions and redundancy on speech intelligibility itself to the measurement of their impact on performance. Implications for the development of message content guidelines and their impact on performance are discussed.
Benefiting Design Even Late in the Development Cycle: Contributions by Human Factors Engineers
Authors: Walkenstein Merissa , Eisenberg Ronda
Published: January 2012

This paper describes an experimental study that compares a graphical user interface for a computer-telephony product designed without the involvement of a human factors engineer to a redesign of that interface designed with a human factors engineer late in the development cycle. Both interfaces were usability tested with target customers. Results from a number of measures, both subjective and objective, indicate that the interface designed with the human factors engineer was easier to use than the interface designed without the human factors engineer. The results of this study show the benefits of involving human factors engineers in the design of graphical user interfaces even towards the end of a development cycle. However, this involvement is most effective when human factors engineers are included as an integral part of the design and development process even at this late stage in the process.
Designing Mimic Diagrams: Moving from Art to Science
Authors: Moore Philip , Corbridge Colin
Published: January 2012

This paper describes work to develop a graphical user interface for an experimental ship control system which utilises mimics extensively in its displays. Lack of a systematic method for mimic design resulted in mimics being designed using the collective expertise of a human factors development team. A methodology for mimic design recently proposed by Javaux et al (1996) is evaluated retrospectively with reference to the experience gained designing mimics for the Ship Control Centre (SCC). The seven stages of this novel methodology are discussed in terms of their applicability to the SCC development work and limitations within this methodology are identified. Suggestions are made concerning the future development of a principled method for the design of mimics.
Scenario-Based Design for Human-Computer Interface Development
Authors: Neale Dennis C. , Kies Jonathan K.
Published: January 2012

Scenario-based techniques have been receiving increased attention in the design of human-computer interaction. A cohesive methodology or framework, however, has yet to materialize, and scenario methods have not been well defined. Claims are being made about the ability of scenarios to play a role throughout the development life cycle. The objective of this paper is to examine the ability of scenarios to serve as the primary design representations early in the system design life cycle for envisioning the system, requirements specification, user-designer communication, and design rationale. These findings represent a case study in the design of a world-wide web site for the Human Factors Engineering Center at Virginia Tech. Example-based narratives were elicited using a “micro-scenario” generating task that involved prospective end-users brainstorming user-system interactions. Conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of the technique for system development, and guidelines are provided for using scenarios to specify behavioral requirements.
A Case Study of Transparent User Interfaces in a Commercial 3-D Modeling and Paint Application
Authors: Harrison Beverly L. , Vicente Kim J.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a case study of transparent user interface tools in a commercial 3-D modeling and paint application. It represents another step in an ongoing research program evaluating transparent human-computer interfaces. Results from previous controlled experiments were used to inform our design choices in the working product. We collected data from 11 users one month after they received the application, using a semi-structured interview. Working sessions were also video taped and analyzed. Based on these results, modifications were made and a follow-up interview was conducted three weeks later. A number of transparency-related issues were identified. This case study illustrates the value and challenges that one encounters in transitioning from basic research to commercial applications.
The Relative Sizes of Percentiles
Authors: Kreifeldt J.G. , Nah Keoun
Published: January 2012

In anthropometric design, one usually tries to accommodate the widest range of sizes from small to large. The accelerating ratio of physical size to percentile as one approaches the upper extreme end of the Gaussian distribution, with its generally concomitant cost and/or spatial impacts on the physical system, can often limit the maximum percentile or minimum percentile which can be realistically accommodated. However, what is not generally realized is the relative sizes of the physical dimensions involved because so much work is done with percentiles which are dimensionless quantities. This paper presents several figures which provide some idea of the relative physical sizes of percentiles. The rather small coefficient of variance for anthropometric measurements means that the difference between say the 50th and the 95th percentiles while being a difference of “45 percentile points” is only a matter of a few percent in physical size. Such considerations can help in providing a better understanding of the tradeoff in percentiles and percent and perhaps adds some physical interpretations of percentiles.
May I take your Order? Human Factors Field Studies in the Fast Food Environment
Authors: Gravelle Michael D. , Cohen Sally M. , Bisantz Ann M. , Wilson Karen S.
Published: January 2012

While applied human factors research is frequently conducted in technology-rich advanced environments (e.g., aircraft, nuclear power plants, and marine vessels), this paper describes a successful applied human factors field study in a complex, dynamic, and highly demanding commercial environment—your local fast food restaurant. The primary study objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of fast food store operations and employee activities in an effort to conceptualize and to develop design guidelines for next-generation technology in this industry. The findings suggested that the current implementation of technology in the fast food industry does not always meet the needs of today's users. Several opportunities exist for human factors professionals to re-engineer store processes and operations and to design more appropriate technology solutions.
Placement Opportunities and Preparing for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Marketplace
Authors: Moroney W. F.
Published: January 2012

The first two presentations of this symposium present the results of an analysis of 159 placement announcements listed with the HFES Placement Service during 1994–1995. The first presentation describes the characteristics of 129 industry, government and consulting positions; while the second presentation describes the characteristics of 10 academic and 20 internship positions. The ability to perform as a team member was cited often and is the focus of the third and fourth presentations.

The third presentation discusses the importance of the team experience in today's work place. It also describes how three educators incorporated a team experience into their courses.

The last presentation of this symposium highlights various benefits and potential problems of groups and teams and focuses on strategies for successfully implementing student teams in the classroom.
Placement Opportunities for Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics Professionals: Part I: Industry, Government/Military and Consulting Positions
Authors: Moroney William F. , Adams Catherine M.
Published: January 2012

During the period from November 1994 through October 1995, the Placement Service of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society distributed announcements describing 159 positions available for human factors engineers and ergonomics professionals. These announcements were divided into two groups according to employment sector and position type. This paper describes industry, government and consulting positions (N=129), while its sequel describes academic and internship positions (N=30). The features of the position descriptions examined include: degree requirements, major field of study, areas of expertise, required work experience, salary, geographic location, job description and skills required. The masters degree was specified as the minimum requirement for most positions. The most frequently specified fields of study were human factors, psychology and engineering. The most frequently cited area of expertise was human computer interaction, while the most frequently cited primary responsibility was interface design.
Recurring Accidents in Transportation Systems
Authors: Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

The four papers in this symposium all deal with events and accidents in surface transportation systems which display a continuing condition. The recurring aspect of these events allows patterns to emerge, associated environmental conditions to be reviewed and demographics to be considered. Human factors/ergonomics analyses and some suggested remedial actions are included for each of the accident types. All four papers deal with elements related to forensic and litigation contexts and provide insights, information and techniques for human factors practitioners in this field. Some observations and insights into the U.S. legal system are also included.

The specific topics dealt with in this symposium are: 1) Automatic shoulder belt/manual lap belt restraint systems in late model automobiles and their effect on users and accidents, 2) Pedestrian accidents, repeating patterns, and the need for lawyer, prosecutors, and judges to be more sophisticated in the limitation of both drivers and pedestrians in these situations, 3) Individuals falling out of moving passenger trains in both the U.S. and the U.K. and Amtrak's response, and 4) Misconceptions about how the expectancies of drivers affect their detection and perception of objects in night driving conditions.
The Effect of Expectancy on Visibility in Night Driving
Authors: Mortimer Rudolf G.
Published: January 2012

The role of expectancy on the perceptions of drivers is an important variable that affects highway safety. But, it is not well understood. An experiment in which the visibility of a pedestrian dummy was measured found that the visibility distance was twice as great when drivers expected the pedestrian than when it was unexpected. The results of that study have been used as though the 2:1 ratio in visibility could be extrapolated to other night driving conditions. Arguments against such generalization are made. They involve analyses of the illumination of headlamp beams, the probability of detection of objects and the effects of speed. Various theoretical approaches are used to evaluate the role of expectancy and other studies are reviewed. No support was found for the 2:1 constant ratio between “expected” and “unexpected” driver visibility in night driving. Further work is needed to study expectancy and to quantify its effect on visibility in a variety of situations.
Organizational Bridges from Research to Practice: Cases in Medical Practice
Authors: Caldwell Barrett S. , Gosbee John , Kaplan Harold S. , Thomadsen Bruce R.
Published: January 2012

Human performance and human error in medicine have emerged as critical health care issues affecting the entire practice of medical treatment and health care delivery. Human factors professionals, particularly members of the HFES, can make major contributions to health care systems, but there is a lack of transition between problem domains. Since the human factors profession has been built on the study and improvement of high-risk systems, the current state of medical practice is clearly an opportune environment in which to operate. This panel will address several practical “ironies” of the current challenges to build improved bridges between key aspects of HFES expertise and the needs of the medical community.
Situation Awareness: A Validation Study and Investigation of Individual Differences
Authors: Gugerty Leo J. , Tirre William C.
Published: January 2012

The first experiment found that varying the rate of road hazards in a personal-computer-based driving simulator had no effect on subjects' situation awareness, as measured in the simulator. Thus, setting a high rate of hazards does not distort subjects' situation awareness. In the second experiment, the situation awareness test was found to predict driving performance in a realistic simulator. Individual differences in situation awareness were correlated with working memory and psychomotor abilities.
Perspectives on U.S. Army Physical Requirements: Problems and Current Approaches to Solutions
Authors: Headley Donald B. , Rice Valerie J.
Published: January 2012

Of the various types of occupational standards (e.g., cognitive, formal education, manual dexterity) two of the more important considerations for military operations are physical demands and anthropometric characteristics. Fifty-seven percent of Army entry level jobs have a physical demands rating of heavy or very heavy (i.e., occasional lifting of 100 or more pounds, & frequent or constant lifting of 50 pounds). Also, the issue of fit is important given that current assignment opportunities for women have greatly increased, and given that typically the design envelope on a given dimension for most equipment has been the 5th to 95th percentile male. Inadequate matching of personnel capabilities and task assignments results in increased costs in the form of supplemental training, inadequate performance, and work-related injuries.

Summary of the Four Presentations

In order to address these issues, the mismatches in physical demands and anthropometric design parameters must first be clearly defined. The first two presentations in this symposium address these issues. The initial presentation demonstrates an occupation specific data base management system which can be used to assist research efforts, identify jobs most in need of redesign, and set training and performance standards. The second presentation describes a research effort that identifies anthropometric dimensions of military clothing, equipment, and workstations and the level of compatibility (height-reach characteristics) of these fielded systems with female soldier anthropometrics.

Once the potential problems are clearly defined, remedial methods must be explored. Task/equipment redesign, personnel selection, and training are methods typically suggested for addressing ergonomic issues and enhancing job performance. Two of these key methods are addressed in this symposium. The third presentation discusses physical training issues, including general versus task-specific training regimens and their potential influence in improving military performance, increasing soldier safety, and decreasing attrition. The final presentation describes a procedure for identifying, evaluating, and redesigning physically demanding tasks and equipment. This solution is the recommended procedure for ensuring soldier safety by designing a task to eliminate the hazard itself.

Project Goals

This symposium follows an ergonomic systems approach of analyzing the problem, designing and implementing appropriate interventions and establishing methods for evaluating the effectiveness of those interventions (e.g., analyzing cost-benefit tradeoffs of potential implementations). By closely matching job demands with human capabilities and limitations, the ability of all soldiers to perform their duties is enhanced. The goals of these projects and similar military research efforts represent a unified approach to enhance personnel utilization, sustain performance, and ensure the health and safety of our service members.
Study of Compatibility of Army Systems with Anthropometric Characteristics of Female Soldiers
Authors: Todd Wendy L. , Paquette Steven P. , Bensel Carolyn K.
Published: January 2012

Many Army clothing and equipment systems in use today were designed to accommodate male soldiers within the 5th — 95th percentile range for Stature and other critical body dimensions. Thus, female soldiers whose body dimensions are outside this design envelope may be compromised with regard to clothing and workspace fit. The objective of this study was to determine the compatibility of Army female height/reach dimensions with currently fielded, representative clothing, individual equipment, and workstations. These items were selected using the results of subjective questionnaires, theoretical disaccommodation rates, and interviews with the developers. Data were collected on female soldiers 5′5″ and shorter (workstations, n=202; clothing and equipment, n=202). Compatibility was determined by the difficulty experienced by the soldiers as they performed specific reach tasks in workstations, and by the acceptability of static and functional fit of the clothing and equipment. Problematic items were identified and solutions were developed, along with associated implementation costs.
Ergonomics Cost Benefits Case Study in a Paper Manufacturing Company
Authors: MacLeod Dan , Morris Anita
Published: January 2012

This company initiated a comprehensive workplace ergonomics program in 1991. After five years experience, total investment is estimated at $2.5 million and total benefits at $3.5 million, based on reduced workers compensation cost savings plus improvements in productivity. Lost-time CTD cases were reduced over 80%. CTD recordable cases initially increased because of heightened employee awareness, then decreased. Employee discomfort surveys showed a 40% drop in reported pain; greater results were noted in those areas where improvements have been made, and no change in those areas where tasks have not yet been addressed. Examples of specific workstation improvements and results are presented, including instances where CTD risk factors were reduced and productivity more than doubled. The implication is that employers should institute practical programs in ergonomics whether or not OSHA promulgates a regulation on CTDs.
Presto: Multi-Media Distributed Network for Collaborative Work in Command and Control
Authors: Modrick John A.
Published: January 2012

The human factors requirements are discussed in terms of support for individuals in a distributed C2 network and interactions to do collaborative work. PRESTO provides access to an orbiting Global Infosphere, a multi-source, multi-media data base on operational conditions and events. The system should facilitate development of shared situation awareness and coordinated actions. The approach to user interface is a concept of “Active View.” The content of each active view is defined by operational tasks and area of responsibility. The diversity of users requires a diversity of active views, each constructed to fit the characteristics of each application.

The challenge to human factors is to develop an architecture of collaborative activities which can be mapped into PRESTO's software architecture and modules. These activities can be divided into single multi-media workstation, individual's active views in integrated multi-media format, collaborative transactions between workstations, and data integration into a shared situational representation. Taxonomies for collaborative behaviors and use of multi-media will have to be developed.

An application to Joint Task Force is a probable implementation. The JTF is a distributed command group for rapid deployment and control of interservice forces in crisis management.
Multi-Agent Societies for Collaborative Interaction
Authors: Penner Robin R.
Published: January 2012

The application of a multi-agent architecture to the design and operation of automated process management systems is proving to be a fruitful method of facilitating human-system collaboration. The agent architecture we are developing is intended to be applied in environments where humans and automated systems jointly perform information intensive tasks, and is based on an organization of multiple agents, where both human and software agents are integrated members in groups akin to human societies. Important features of our architecture include an organization based on social structures, a user interface model based on a collaborative interaction metaphors, and a situated action paradigm for agent behavior.
Understanding Individual Learning for Organizational Learning
Authors: Paul Rajendra
Published: January 2012

Suitable application of the knowledge about individual learning to develop organizational learning processes is the focus and scope of this paper. Organization is an abstract concept. Consequently, organizational learning depends to a large extent on the learning by individual employees. Cognitive learning is treated in greater detail than physical learning, although the two often occur and are treated simultaneously. The attributes of the individual learning process discussed here include intrinsic and extrinsic factors like motivation, feedback, environment, social influences, and role of emotions.
Operator Support in Traffic Management: A Heuristics Model and Experimental Study
Authors: Murray John , Liu Yili
Published: January 2012

The identification of problems from numeric traffic measurements is an important part of control center activities in ATMS (Advanced Traffic Management Systems). However, an information modeling process that relies solely upon ‘traditional’ quantitative data analysis does not reflect faithfully the actual methods used by human operators. In addition to common-sense knowledge and specific contextual information, operators also use various heuristics and rules-of-thumb to supplement the numerical analysis. This paper describes an experiment to examine the effectiveness of an expert system that integrates quantitative and qualitative traffic information using a human-centered knowledge system design. The system's performance was investigated using a data suite of real traffic scenarios; the statistically significant results showed that the integrated process had superior performance compared to the ‘traditional’ quantitative analysis running alone.
Research to Enhance the Safe Driving Performance of Older Commercial Vehicle Drivers: Effects of Selected Ergonomic Interventions upon Driving Performance
Authors: Rogers William C. , Llaneras Robert E. , Swezey Robert W. , Brock John F.
Published: January 2012

Interventions designed to target ability deficiencies common among older commercial vehicle drivers were evaluated during the course of this effort. Four interventions, consisting of three in-vehicle compensatory aids and a single driver training program, were used in the study. A between-subjects design was used to assess the effects of each intervention; subjects assigned to an experimental group received all four interventions, while those in a control condition were not exposed to the countermeasures. The degree to which the interventions enhanced, or otherwise influenced driving performance was examined by contrasting performance with versus without the interventions (i.e., comparing the experimental and control groups). Assignment to each experimental condition was blocked (or grouped) by age. Results indicated that all four interventions led to enhanced performance.
A Method to Assign Weights of Importance to Design Requirements in Human-Machine Systems Design
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T. , Pracharktam Torn , Schnell Thomas
Published: January 2012

The use of the constant sum paired comparison method and a PC software package are demonstrated for assigning the weights of importance to the non-monetary system requirements in the preliminary design phase of the system design process. Current methods of assigning the overall importance weight to the non-monetary system requirements appear to be inadequate in terms of accuracy and validation. The constant sum paired comparison method, investigated in this paper proved to be an explicit and simple method of assigning the overall importance weights. The relationship between the importance weights and the assigned comparison scores can be expressed by a linear function. A PC software package utilizing the constant sum paired comparison method to assign the overall importance weight to non-monetary system requirements was developed for solving two distinct problem situations: 1) single set of requirements and 2) multiple sets of requirements.
The Transfusion Medicine Tutor: A Model for the Design and Use of Expert Systems for Teaching
Authors: Obradovich Jodi Heintz
Published: January 2012

There is a long research history addressing the design of knowledge-based systems for tutoring. There exists, however, very little rigorous empirical data describing the impact of such systems on users. This paper presents the results of two studies that were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of an expert system for teaching medical technology students a complex abduction task, the identification of alloantibodies in a patient's blood. The first study, involving 30 students, showed that those students who used the system with all intelligent tutoring functions turned on and with instructor assistance available went from 0% correct on a pre-test case to 80% − 93% correct on post-tests (p < 0.001). Students in a control group, using a passive version of the system with the tutoring functions turned off, went from 7% correct on a pre-test case to 27% correct on post-tests (non significant; p > 0.05). The results of the second study found that 36 students who used the system with all intelligent tutoring functions enabled but without instructor assistance went from 19% correct on a pre-test to 83% − 86% correct on the post-tests (p < 0.001). In order to better understand the roles of the computer and the teacher in these studies, computer logs and videos collected for each student were analyzed and coded for certain key behaviors.
Team Situation Awareness in Aviation Maintenance
Authors: Endsley Mica R. , Robertson Michelle M.
Published: January 2012

To assess team situation awareness in an aviation maintenance setting, a methodology was developed for examining situation awareness requirements that incorporates both individual and team situation awareness perspectives. In the present study, inquires were conducted in the field maintenance setting at a major airline. Contextual inquires were combined with a goal directed task analysis to specify the situation awareness requirements involved in each of the interactions (between and within teams) required to perform maintenance tasks. Situation awareness requirements in a team context are discussed along with recommendations for training programs directed at improving situation awareness with and between teams.
Integrating Training into Human Factors Implementation
Authors: Drury Colin G.
Published: January 2012

The Airline Safety Summit, held in January, 1995 in Washington, D.C. had two important outcomes for human factors. First, it set a goal of zero accidents for future airline operations. Second, it emphasized the role of the human and specifically human factors, in accident causation. As a response to these outcomes, the interest in human factors has increased in all aviation domains: flight operations, the air traffic system, and maintenance/inspection. A preferred response to the new demands for implementing human factors has been one of training, in either awareness of human factors or in the modification of interpersonal relations through a process analogous to Crew Resource Management (CRM). Such programs have used group problem-solving techniques to help locate and reduce sources of error and systems problems, using models of the human as interacting with other humans in the system. Within such a framework, is there a role for the more traditional models of human functioning used by human factors engineers? This paper considers the role of a training program as part of a methodology for integrating human factors into airline maintenance practice. An analysis of the ASRS data base revealed that mis-communication between participants was a source of errors. An analysis of similar problems at one airline facility showed that communication was indeed problematic. Training in human factors techniques was used to prepare a workforce team to redesign part of the communications system. The subsequent redesign efforts help evaluate the role of the training programs in human factors implementation.
Pattern-Driven Visual Search for Multiple Defects
Authors: Chin Anpin ‘Max’ , Bishu Ram. R.
Published: January 2012

A simulation task for circuit-board inspection was designed with different image patterns to analyze inspectors' search strategies including the scan-path and the stopping policy. This study focused on how people fixate and locate defects, and the subsequent decision making processes. According to Gestalt laws of organization, a complex searching field would be decomposed in groups for separate scans. The analysis of scan-path shows that subjects had their own respective search pattern for all trials. Although the scan-paths were found different, search behavior within image patterns were similar across subjects. It implies that the visual search is driven by image patterns.
Investigating Communication and Situation Awareness in Air Combat
Authors: Schreiber Brian T. , Bell Herbert H. , Raspotnik William B.
Published: January 2012

In an exploratory study, we examined whether communication could distinguish between high- or low-situation awareness (SA) F-15 lead pilots. With aid from an assigned wingman and an air weapons controller, the lead pilots flew 36 simulated combat engagements. Two measures of SA were utilized. First, ratings of SA were obtained from the operational squadrons. Second, subject matter experts based SA ratings of 40 lead pilots on (a) 28 critical behaviors identified in a task analysis, and (b) behaviors such as communication. Subsequent rankings from both SA measures revealed that, during the simulated engagements, high-situation awareness pilots directed team members more frequently and requested more information. Despite the varied complex simulated engagements, communication patterns were stable; lead pilots' communications were similar for identical engagements that were flown both early and late in the study. Larger studies using a correlational approach with communication categorization are suggested.
Cooperative Problem-Solving Challenges for the Movement of Aircraft on the Ground
Authors: Obradovich Jodi Heintz , Smith Philip J. , Denning Rebecca , Chapman Roger , Billings Charles , McCoy Elaine , Woods David D.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we discuss issues surrounding aircraft surface movement that were uncovered through a series of ethnographic investigations, including (a) observations of surface movement operations, (b) structured interviews with airline ramp control and dispatch personnel, and (c) critical incident reports. These results are part of the “problem identification” stage of a study aimed at the design of cognitive tools to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft surface movement. This study is focusing on such issues from an airline operations control perspective (i.e., ramp control and dispatch). We have identified areas of opportunity for aiding airline staff and controllers in this information-intensive cognitive work, which will lead to identifying the nature of cognitive tools and procedures that could improve prioritization, planning, and coordination during surface movement
Terrain Awareness Using a Terrain Enhanced Primary Flight Display
Authors: Uhlarik John J. , Peterson Douglas A. , Herold J. Michael
Published: January 2012

The present research investigated factors contributing to the effectiveness of using a terrain enhanced primary flight display for detecting and avoiding potential Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents. Situational factors involve the position of the aircraft with respect to the terrain in vertical separation and two forms of horizontal separation (line-of-sight distance and lateral position). Three levels of pilot experience were also investigated (high-time pilots, low-time pilots, and non-pilots). Participants viewed static scenes on a Primary Flight Display containing conformal perspective terrain information and made decisions regarding the necessary course of action. The selected actions were analyzed using accuracy, accident rate, signal detection theory (SDT) parameters, and response latency. Results indicated that the interaction of simple perceptual factors combine to have a complex effect on performance in terms of perceptual sensitivity and decision making strategy. The application of signal detection theory analysis greatly improved the understanding of performance across the various conditions.
The Effectiveness of Design Interventions in Improving the Ability of Older People to Perform Computer-Based Work
Authors: Czaja Sara J. , Sharit Joseph , Nair Sankaran
Published: January 2012

The objective of the current research was to evaluate the impact of age on the performance of computer-based work in order to develop design interventions that enhance the ability of older adults to perform these tasks. Specifically, two computer tasks, data entry, and a complex problem solving were investigated. Participants ranged in age from 20–75 years. Overall, the results indicted age differences in performance of both tasks. The younger participants had higher levels of performance Further, the results indicated that age-related differences in component cognitive abilities were related to performance. These data were used to develop design interventions such as modifying the layout of screen information. This paper presents data from the intervention studies. Overall the findings indicate that the interventions improved performance for all participants. For example, there were fewer keystroke errors for the data entry task and problem solving time was reduced for the problem solving task. These data are discussed in terms of understanding the extent to which fundamental interface design interventions can benefit older adults.
Toward an Understanding of Age-Related use of Incidental Consistency
Authors: Meyer Beth , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

Skill acquisition studies have found that, with extensive practice, performance can become surprisingly specific to “incidental” features of the training environment - that is, features or relationships that need not be processed to perform the task. Furthermore, studies of aging and “incidental learning” have often shown an age-related deficit in recalling non-content features of stimuli. Two studies examined the role of consistent incidental features in extensive training of a skill, first in a visual search skill and then in a logical reasoning skill. In both studies, incidental features that correlated with correct actions (with varying degrees of consistency) were present in training. These features were then removed or changed in transfer conditions. Changes to these features were disruptive, primarily for younger adults. These results indicate that performance after training can become sensitive to consistent incidental information. However, older adults seem to be less sensitive to this information than younger adults. These results are important to consider when providing supplemental environmental support for complex tasks, or when planning changes to a task environment that occur after extensive practice.
An Absence of Vigilance Decrement in a Complex Dynamic Task
Authors: Moray Neville , Haudegond Sylvain
Published: January 2012

Although it is sometimes stated that there is a danger of a loss of vigilance in supervisory tasks where the main task is monitoring, there appears to be no experimental research on the vigilance decrement in complex realistic tasks. In this paper we report an experiment on the detection of dynamic faults in a rather complex microworld, PASTEURISER. An overall decrement in target detection was found, but no vigilance decrement as a function of time during the first 30 minutes or 1 hour. Even when the system was made increasingly simple no vigilance decrement curves were found, although it was possible to replicate Mackworth's original experiment with a simulated clock. We conclude that at least for some kinds of dynamic signals there is no progressive loss of vigilance during the fiurst half hour to an hour of watchkeeping tasks.
Visual Scanning Patterns during Remote Diagnosis
Authors: Xiao Yan , Mackenzie Colin F. , Orasanu Judith , Spencer Richard , Gunawardane Vajira ,   LOTAS Group
Published: January 2012

Through audio-video-data linkage, remotely situated experts can potentially provide supervisory advice to on-going events and activities and participate in dynamic decision making. Previous studies showed, however, that domain experts often missed critical cues necessary for assessing remote situations and thereby were unable to anticipate needed interventions and to provide effective supervision. Questions arose about the process whereby remote decision makers extracted information from audio-video-data linkage. This paper reports a study of the visual scanning patterns of domain experts during remote diagnosis of trauma patient resuscitation through audio-video-data linkages. Eye-gaze data were collected from decision makers of different domain expertise as well as from novices. The results indicated that (1) experts tended to focus on regions of the video scene corresponding to their respective real-life roles in a multidisciplinary team; (2) the majority of eye fixations were on the face or the head of the people in the video, regardless of viewers' experience backgrounds; (3) large individual differences existed in how systematically the subjects scanned various parts of the video scene which included vitals signs of the patient.
Joint Tactical Cognitive Systems: Modeling, Analysis, and Performance Assessment
Authors: Worm Arne
Published: January 2012

The dynamics of tactical missions are of a specific nature. Determined and forward exploitation and control of associated real-time, safety-critical operational dynamics are vital for success. An implication is the need for a conceptual framework of time-critical command and control of dynamic tasks in hazardous environments. In this work we applied a combined theorist's and practitioner's approach to the problem of modeling command and control processes of military and emergency response units, and of the respective missions themselves. We performed a pilot study using a combined Human Factors, Control Theory and Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) framework. We performed identification, modeling, and analysis of Joint Tactical Cognitive Systems (JTCSs), and of related command, control, intelligence and decision making processes. The COntextual COntrol Model (COCOM) yielded the descriptive power necessary to fulfill this endeavor. Together with development of fast and accurate information processing systems and decision aids, CSE will decisively impact future mission command and control.
The Midas Human Performance Model
Authors: Tyler Sherman W. , Neukom Christian , Logan Michael , Shively Jay
Published: January 2012

A unique software tool for conducting human factors analyses of complex human-machine systems has been developed at NASA Ames Research Center. Called the Man-Machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS), this simulation system contains models of human performance that can be used to evaluate candidate procedures, controls, and displays prior to more expensive and time consuming hardware simulators and human subject experiments. While this tool has been successfully applied to research issues in several domains, particularly in aeronautics, a desire to expand its functionality and its ease of use has led to the construction of a new object-oriented system. This new version of MIDAS contains a substantially modified human performance model, one that is aimed at being more consistent with empirical data on human behavior and more natural for designers to apply to the analyses of complex new designs. This paper offers a summary of this new human performance model, together with justifications for some of its main components, and indicates plans for its subsequent verification and validation.
Design and Validation of a User-Centered Web Browser
Authors: Chen Bo , Salvendy Gavriel
Published: January 2012

New user-centered features were proposed based on the analysis of human limitation in using web browsers. A conventional browser and an enhanced browser were built by using JavaScript and Common Gateway Interface (CGI) programming to rewrite the interface of Netscape Navigator. An experiment was conducted with 64 subjects to test four hypotheses concerning the relationship between search strategies and task types and the usability of the enhanced browser. Different search strategies are found between two tasks. Once the subjects became skilled at using the enhanced browser their performance was superior to using the conventional browser. In the enhanced browser, the subjects were more satisfied in using the reference window and the shopping list and less satisfied in using the pull back and the preview information than using the conventional browser.
A Framework for Integrating Cognitive Task Analysis into the System Development Process
Authors: Potter Scott S. , Roth Emilie M. , Woods David D. , Elm William C.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a process that orchestrates different types of specific CTA techniques to provide design relevant CTA results and integrates CTA results into the software development process. Two fundamental premises underlie the approach. First, CTA is more than the application of any single CTA technique. Instead, developing a meaningful understanding of a field of practice relies on multiple converging techniques in a bootstrapping process. The important issue from a CTA perspective is to evolve a model of the interconnections between the demands of the domain, the strategies and knowledge of practitioners, the cooperative interactions across human and machine agents, and how artifacts shape these strategies and coordinative activities across a series of different specific techniques. Second, since CTA is a means to support the design of computer-based artifacts that enhance human and team performance, CTA must be integrated into the software and system development process. Thus, the vision of CTA as an initial, self-contained technique that is handed-off to system designers is reconceived as an incremental process of uncovering the cognitive demands imposed on the operator(s) by the complexities and constraints of the domain.
The Application of a Behavioral Categorization Technique in the Development of User Models
Authors: Bushey Robert , Mauney Jennifer Mitchell , Deelman Tom
Published: January 2012

This paper examines a method for the development of new user interfaces for computer systems. The CDM method (Categorizing, Describing, and Modeling method) enhances the requirements gathering phase of user interface design by capitalizing on the concept that the user population has a variety of distinguishable strategies that affect performance. In the CDM method, the user population is first categorized into a reasonable number of groups. The behaviors for each group are described and then this described behavior is qualitatively and quantitatively modeled. These models are used during the system design and operational process to optimize performance for all users. This paper focuses on the first part of the CDM method, namely categorizing users into behaviorally similar groups. Users are categorized based on cognitive measures and sales performance measures. The grouping methodology is then validated based on behavioral data. The CDM method was developed to more accurately determine system requirements for the development of a telecommunications system.
The Effect of Domain on Usage Patterns and Perceptions of the Internet: Focusing on Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Jacko Julie A. , Sears Andrew , Sorensen Suellyn J.
Published: January 2012

Several studies have explored user perceptions of the Internet. These studies gathered demographic data, likes, dislikes, and ideas for changes that would make the World-Wide Web more effective and appealing. Unfortunately, the sampling strategies utilized in these previous studies result in biases toward more experienced Internet users. This is acceptable if the users of your system are familiar with the Internet, but provides little useful information about less experienced users. In this study we replicated portions of an earlier study with a new user population by exploring usage patterns and perceptions of the Internet and WWW within the healthcare industry. Our results differ significantly from those reported earlier highlighting the importance of the sampling strategy utilized when gathering such information. When compared to the results of the previous study, healthcare professionals use the Internet less; expressed different likes, dislikes, and difficulties; had less confidence in their knowledge about the WWW tools they use; and felt that different enhancements would be useful.
The Effects of Four Label Design Parameters on Perceived Reliability, Efficacy and Intent to Purchase of Over-the-counter Medication
Authors: Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

The cost of medical care has been skyrocketing for many years. One solution being promoted by both the government and medical industry is to increase the effectiveness and prevalence of self care and prevention. By managing for their own medical needs, patients can significantly reduce the cost of their medical care by replacing expensive prescription drugs with over-the-counter (OTC) products. The establishment of the Office of Alternative Medicine by the National Institutes of Health has legitimized the inclusion of herbal remedies in this plan. However, the labeling guidelines for OTC products are vague and under constant debate. This research evaluates the effects of several label content parameters regarding indication and effectiveness claims. Subjects were provided with labels for fictitious herbal and chemical medical products and asked to report their perceptions of the reliability of the claim, the products' effectiveness, and their likelihood of purchasing the product. Parameters included the originator of the claim (FDA, doctor groups, Harvard University and athletes), usability factors, product type (chemical, herbal), and disorder. The results have significant implications for the development of labeling guidelines for consumer-focused products.