Showing papers by "Don Harris published in 2013"

Identifying Training Deficiencies in Military Pilots by Applying the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System

Abstract: Without accurate analysis, it is difficult to identify training needs and develop the content of training programs required for preventing aviation accidents. The human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) is based on Reason's system-wide model of human error. In this study, 523 accidents from the Republic of China Air Force were analyzed in which 1762 human errors were categorized. The results of the analysis showed that errors of judgment and poor decision-making were commonly reported amongst pilots. As a result, it was concluded that there was a need for military pilots to be trained specifically in making decisions in tactical environments. However, application of HFACS also allowed the identification of systemic training deficiencies within the organization further contributing to the accidents observed.

Engineering Psychology and Cognitive Ergonomics. Understanding Human Cognition

Abstract: Latency has been identified as a major bottleneck for usability of human-system interaction devices. However, the theoretical basis of the effect of latency on action control mechanisms remains weak. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cognitive implications of latency for Human-Computer Interaction. We proposed models of agency (i.e., mechanism underlying the feeling of control) as a possible interpretative framework on the nature of the transformation induced by latency. In a series of 3 experiments, we propose to tackle this problem by (1) characterizing the effects (performance and agency) of transmission delays on UAS camera control, and (2) designing and evaluating HMI solutions to mitigate these effects with regard to the agency principle. Our results showed that (1) latency decreases sense of agency and human performance, (2) models of agency could provide HMI solution for latency compensation. Interests of agentive experience accounts for better system design are discussed.

Engineering Psychology and Cognitive Ergonomics. Applications and Services

Abstract: Maintaining high levels of road traffic safety is always important and when the road is in a tunnel, and especially in a long tunnel, maintaining the highest possible level of safety is paramount. In Sweden, the Stockholm bypass tunnel has been scheduled to commence construction in 2013. The tunnel will be approximately 18 km in length. The length of the tunnel is expected to affect the drivers’ experiences pertaining drowsiness, arousal, distraction and feelings of safety and security. The study included 24 participants, 12 men and 12 women, aged 30-45. All of the participants drove two versions of the tunnel, one version with a decoration design in terms of string lighting in the ceiling of the tunnel and one version of the tunnel without any decoration design. Eye tracking behaviour was measured during the study. CR10 ratings of four subjective dimensions (distraction, visually cluttered, visually stimulating/arousal and safety and well-being) during the drive were also measured. The results revealed that 58 per cent of the participants preferred the tunnel with the strings of light in the ceiling and 29 per cent preferred the tunnel without the ceiling lighting. 13 per cent prefer neither one design more than the other. The participants perceived feelings of their driving through the tunnel suggested that the tunnel with the ceiling light design was experienced as being more ”visually cluttered” than the tunnel without the light strings but at the same time it was also experienced as more ”arousing/stimulating”. Mean glance duration times suggested that although there was a significant main effect of the tunnel with the string lighting and in specific areas of the tunnel, the drivers were looking at the ceiling lighting but using short glances (445.3 ms with lighting and 234.3 ms without lighting). The negative safety implications of the elaborate interior lighting features would appear to be minimal in terms of distraction and irritation whereas the safety benefits in this particularly long road tunnel, in terms of subjective feelings of visual stimulation is encouraging. Based on the participants’ experiences of the interior design concept of the 18 km long tunnel, having stimulating lighting features in different locations alone the length of the tunnel is recommended.

Distributed cognition in flight operations

Abstract: Human Factors is no longer simply concerned with the design of equipment and work stations. This old view is being superseded by a systems-based approach which examines all aspects of the working environment and makes little or no attempt to separate the human, machine and task environment. This socio-technical systems approach complements the latest thinking from cognitive science which regards the human use of technological artifacts as a joint cognitive system. People work in teams, who all have a slightly different perspective of the system; the tools that they use serve as &'cognitive amplifiers' to enhance human abilities. This brief overview begins by examining the operation of commercial aircraft as a joint cognitive system and examines the role of CRM in promoting distributed cognition on the flight deck.