Cognitive task analyses for decision centred design and training

Abstract

This paper presents three case studies of Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) for defining systems design and training requirements. The approach taken involves a modification of the critical decision method of Klein et al. The authors utilized the revised CDM to obtain information from expert white-water rafting guides, general aviation pilots, and emergency ambulance dispatchers. The information obtained was used to develop multi-media tools for training rafting guides and general aviation pilots, and to redesign the VDU display requirements for the ambulance dispatchers. The examples demonstrate the utility of an approach to CTA that is closely based on relevant theory, and provides guidance to practitioners wishing to apply CTA techniques.

Where do novice and experienced drivers direct their attention on approach to urban rail level crossings?

“…Probes were adapted from previous literature on CDM applications (e.g. Crandall et al, 2006;O'Hare et al, 1998) for the purposes of this study (see Table 1). …”

Information processing and intuitive decision-making on the fireground: towards a model of expert intuition

“…2. In carrying out this analysis, the authors built upon a similar construct that was initially developed by Rasmussen (1983) and later adapted by O'Hare et al (1998). Each decision point in this study was therefore coded as any of standard, typical or creative using the following criteria:…”

Distributed situation awareness in dynamic systems: theoretical development and application of an ergonomics methodology

“…This information is elicited and structured using the probe questions defined by O'Hare et al (2000), as shown in table 3. A subject matter expert was interviewed and CDM analyses were conducted for the air threat scenario, subsurface threat and surface threat scenario (only the first of these three scenarios is presented here due to space limitations).…”