Sharing lessons learnt: Reflections on a novel approach to developing the contextual activity template

Abstract

Introduction: There have been few published applications of the second phase of Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA), Control Task Analysis, particularly the Contextual Activity Template (CAT). The current study aimed to share lessons learnt from utilizing an online survey as a novel approach to development of a CAT. The application domain was sport, specifically football goalkeeping. A secondary aim was to apply the CAT to the goalkeeping role and gain the perceptions of both goalkeeping coaches and players on the functions and situations specific to a goalkeeper during match-play. Methods: Ten SMEs with high-level expertize in goalkeeping coaching and/or playing participated in an online survey including a series of demographic, Likert scale and open-ended questions regarding goalkeeper specific functions and matchplay situations. Eight goalkeeper match-play situations and 18 specific functions were included.Results: A CAT model was created demonstrating the match-play situations where specific goalkeeper functions occur. Three function groupings were identified: broad (six or more functions), moderate (between three and five functions), and specific (below three functions).Discussion: Utilizing online surveys to develop a CAT model is a novel approach within the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) literature. Further, the CAT represents a first of its kind analysis in the football performance literature. Strengths and limitations of using online surveys for the development of a CAT are discussed.In conclusion, the work suggests flexible approaches can be used to develop HFE models.