Human Factors最新文献

ObjectiveTo understand how prior expectations and instructions about hazard prevalence affect high-stakes visual search in a semi-immersive virtual environment, where participants take on the role of firefighters in search and rescue missions.BackgroundInformation about target prevalence influences visual search in standard laboratory studies. However, little is known about how prior expectations and new information about target prevalence interact in simulated emergency scenarios.MethodsParticipants (n = 48) received training where the average number of hazards (explosive cylinders) amongst similar distractors was varied (two or six) before participants rescued a trapped person. Trial-end feedback indicated whether all targets were removed and the person rescued. They were then instructed that hazard prevalence would increase, decrease, or stay similar during test blocks. Stress was manipulated by an ongoing alarm, the threat of trial-ending explosions, and reduced movement speed. Search performance was measured by the number and type of stimuli removed and stress was assessed using self-report and physiological measures.ResultsAcross high and low stress conditions, more hazards were removed and more false positives occurred (i.e., more distractors removed) when test prevalence was lower than during training, compared to when prevalence levels remained similar. False negative errors were consistently low across conditions.ConclusionAcquired hazard expectations can override explicit instructions, leading to persistent search errors, likely due to difficulties in adjusting decision criteria.ApplicationThese results suggest that training in high-stakes hazard search should incorporate the use of tools and techniques to help mitigate the persistent influence of outdated expectations on search performance.

ObjectiveThis study reports the development and preliminary evaluation of SAAAR, a multimodal system designed to assess and support the development of situation awareness (SA).BackgroundSA is critical in anesthesiology, yet existing assessment methods lack standardized tools tailored to its complexities of anesthetic practice. Systems developed in other domains have limited applicability, highlighting the need for a purpose-built approach for anesthesia residents.MethodThe SAAAR comprises two components: a 16-item behavioral marker scale and a structured debriefing with eye-tracking. Thirteen anesthesiology faculty tested interrater and test-retest reliability, while five experts conducted content validation of the scale. Both components were implemented in a simulation-based training program for preliminary system evaluation.ResultsThe behavioral marker scale demonstrated moderate content validity and high reliability. Internal consistency was strong (McDonald's Ω = 0.928), test-retest reliability high (Spearman's ρ = 0.952), and interrater agreement moderate (Kendall's W = 0.412). Faculty reported the scale to be clear, comprehensive, and easy to use. Pilot implementation showed significant improvements across domains (Wilcoxon signed-rank test), indicating the system's potential to provide targeted feedback and guide educational interventions.ConclusionsGrounded in HFE principles, the SAAAR provides a structured approach to assessing SA in anesthesia residents and demonstrates preliminary potential to inform educational strategies. Further research is required to determine its impact on clinical performance.ApplicationThe SAAAR offers residency programs and human factors experts a practical tool for assessing SA and designing targeted training. Its adaptable framework suggests potential applicability in other high-pressure medical contexts, pending further evaluation.

BackgroundShift rotation is a popular means of aiding offshore oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers in mitigating the health and safety impacts of night shift work. However, they can disrupt workers' circadian rhythms, resulting in poor sleep quality, fatigue, and performance postrotation.ObjectiveTo determine the impacts of forward (day-to-night) and backward (night-to-day) rotations on offshore OGE workers' sleepiness, fatigue, performance levels, and subsequent circadian adaptation over time.Methods70 oil and gas workers from two offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were followed for seven days, starting the day before the shift rotation. Subjective and performance-based measures of fatigue, as well as actigraphy, were collected daily from day and night workers undergoing shift rotation and compared to those on their fixed shift schedules.ResultsForward rotations negatively affected perceived sleepiness, sleep efficiency, total sleep time (measured by actigraphy), and increased reaction time on the Psychomotor Vigilance Task compared to workers assigned to fixed day shifts. The only observed impact of the backward rotation on fixed night shift workers was decreased total sleep time.DiscussionWorkers assigned to the forward rotations took longer to adapt to the shift rotation, providing insights into how fatigue risk management strategies can be tailored to better address the needs of vulnerable shift workers.ApplicationThe findings indicate that rotating shift work is detrimental to offshore workers, and it is recommended that the amount of rotating shift work during a worker's offshore assignment be minimized, especially when transitioning from day to night.

ObjectiveWe examined whether allowing operators to self-select automation transparency level (adaptable transparency) could improve accuracy of automation use compared to nonadaptable (fixed) low and high transparency. We examined factors underlying higher transparency selection (decision risk, perceived difficulty).BackgroundIncreased fixed transparency typically improves automation use accuracy but can increase bias toward agreeing with automated advice. Adaptable transparency may further improve automation use if it increases the perceived expected value of high transparency information.MethodsAcross two studies, participants completed an uninhabited vehicle (UV) management task where they selected the optimal UV to complete missions. Automation advised the optimal UV but was not always correct. Automation transparency (fixed low, fixed high, adaptable) and decision risk were manipulated within-subjects.ResultsWith adaptable transparency, participants selected higher transparency on 41% of missions and were more likely to select it for missions perceived as more difficult. Decision risk did not impact transparency selection. Increased fixed transparency (low to high) did not benefit automation use accuracy, but reduced decision times. Adaptable transparency did not improve automation use compared to fixed transparency.ConclusionWe found no evidence that adaptable transparency improved automation use. Despite a lack of fixed transparency effects in the current study, an aggregated analysis of our work to date using the UV management paradigm indicated that higher fixed transparency improves automation use accuracy, reduces decision time and perceived workload, and increases trust in automation.ApplicationThe current study contributes to the emerging evidence-base regarding optimal automation transparency design in the modern workplace.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of electromyography (EMG)-based human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for high-demand activities such as driving based on performance, cognitive workload, usability, and safety measures.BackgroundUpper-limb amputees face challenges in performing everyday tasks, including driving. EMG-based HMIs offer potential solutions, particularly for wrist disarticulated and trans-radial amputee, but their effectiveness in complex tasks like driving requires further investigation.MethodNineteen able-bodied participants completed a driving simulation study using an EMG-based HMI, dominant hand, and both hands. Participants performed various driving maneuvers including straight lane driving, overtaking, and 90-degree turns at intersections. Driver performance, cognitive workload (measured by blink rate and subjective measures), usability (USE questionnaire), and safety were assessed.ResultsUsing the EMG-based HMI led to higher lane offset and steering angle compared to conventional methods, but demonstrated lower steering entropy in some situations. Cognitive workload was higher for EMG-based HMI, while usability scores were lower. Safety measures were mixed, with EMG-based HMI showing better performance at intersections but lower lane offset and steering angle safety scores overall.ConclusionThe study highlights both limitations and opportunities presented by EMG-based HMIs in high-demand tasks such as driving. While the system exhibited lower performance in some conditions, it demonstrated potential for controlled driving, particularly during specific maneuvers. The higher cognitive workload and lower usability scores indicate areas for improvement.ApplicationThe findings provide valuable insights for the development of more effective EMG-based HMIs, supporting future research and clinical trials aimed at enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with upper-limb amputations.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review of gestural interaction research by tracing its evolution from a focus on functionality and performance toward a human-centered paradigm, and to develop a theoretical framework that structures the understanding of gestural interaction processes.BackgroundDespite extensive research, no comprehensive review has yet been conducted on gestural interaction from a human-centered perspective, highlighting the need for a structured synthesis to inform design and evaluation practices.MethodWe first developed a conceptual Person-Action-Target-Environment (PATE) model for gestural interaction. Guided by this model, we conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Our review included 197 articles to identify key topics, measurement indicators, and influencing factors.ResultsThe review identified three phases in gesture research: an early focus on functionality, followed by performance-oriented studies, and a recent emphasis on user experience. Four key dimensions emerged in the measurement of gestural interaction: efficiency, ease of use, subjective experience, and tolerance degree. At least ten categories (40 factors in total) were found to influence gestural interaction, with factors related to person, interacting target and actions being extensively explored.ConclusionThis review identifies trends, measures, and influencing factors in gestural interaction research, and utilizes the PATE model to effectively structure the analysis and understanding of gestural interaction processes.ApplicationThis review provides insights and tools for researchers and designers aiming to enhance user experience in gestural interaction technologies.

ObjectiveTo examine how domain-switching and user characteristics may predict broad susceptibility to digital deception.BackgroundDespite successful automated filtering techniques, humans remain vulnerable to fraud, losing billions of dollars annually. Many scams are delivered by digitally mediated methods, such as phishing emails or fake social media accounts. However, research typically explores susceptibility to these deceptions independently, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions regarding susceptibility to digital deception.MethodWe recruited a representative sample to investigate how susceptibility to deception may vary across digital domains, particularly when switching between domains (i.e., domain-switching). Participants classified stimuli from five different digital domains (i.e., emails, text messages, news headlines, social media accounts, and voicemails), either randomly (i.e., domain-switching) or in separate blocks, and completed measures of cognitive reflection and digital literacy.ResultsThe results suggest that when users struggle to discriminate between deceptive and legitimate stimuli in one digital deception domain, they are likely to struggle in others. Additionally, the results suggest that while cognitive reflection and digital literacy may help insulate users from deception, domain-switching may generally hinder user performance (i.e., slower responses).ConclusionOverall, individuals appear to be consistently vulnerable to deception across digital domains and this vulnerability can be exacerbated by certain task factors (e.g., domain-switching) and user characteristics (e.g., cognitive reflection and digital literacy).ApplicationTo develop more efficacious interventions that enhance user resiliency, research should consider broad training that incorporates correlates of susceptibility (e.g., cognitive reflection and digital literacy), and more realistic task settings (e.g., domain-switching).

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of dual tasking on hand dominance during a bimanual visuomotor task.BackgroundMany operators need to perform separate tasks with each hand. Yet, there is no comprehensive study examining whether the right-hand visuomotor advantage found in right handers remains stable, increases or attenuates when another task is performed concurrently with the other hand.MethodsTwenty-eight right-handed participants (mean age = 22) performed 2D visuomotor tracking under either unimanual (one target, one hand) or bimanual conditions (two targets, one for each hand). Various gaze contingencies and visual displays were tested. Tracking performance of each hand was evaluated through the mean cursor-target distance.ResultsA clear right-hand advantage was found under all unimanual conditions. Under bimanual conditions, tracking accuracy decreased for both hands albeit more extensively for the left hand than the right when gaze was free, thus amplifying the above right-hand advantage. Prioritization of the right hand was associated with a gaze preference toward this hand. However, this increase in manual asymmetry was greatly alleviated when participants were instructed to fixate straight ahead, a benefit obtained at no cost in terms of overall tracking performance.ConclusionsDuring bimanual/dual tracking, there is a natural tendency for right handers to prioritize their right hand. However, this effect is strongly reduced by fixating straight ahead.ApplicationPerforming separate tasks with the right and left hands is common when piloting an aircraft. Fixating straight ahead may be useful for pilots that seek to divide more equally the negative impact of dual/bimanual tasking.

ObjectiveWe explored transfer of learning from brief practice with different input devices in the Navy's Performance Based Measures Battery (PBM), a psychomotor subset of the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB).BackgroundThe PBM is a set of computerized tests used as a part of the ASTB to select aviators in the U.S. military. Official practice is not available, leading candidates to practice with unofficial re-creations and with or without access to the stick and throttle used on the PBM.MethodOur between-subjects study with 152 cadets from the U.S. Military Academy evaluated the impact of mouse/keyboard or stick/throttle practice on the psychomotor portions of the PBM compared to a control group that was only presented with an informational video.ResultsThe results showed that practice with either input device resulted in improved performance relative to control on the PBM's two-dimensional airplane tracking task (ATT). For the simpler vertical tracking task (VTT), the mouse/keyboard group showed significantly worse performance than either stick/throttle practice or control groups, indicating a transfer cost from practicing with an alternative input device.ConclusionThe results suggest that becoming familiar with the unique dynamics of the ATT may be more important than practicing with the appropriate input device. Conversely, device-specific motor learning appears to be a more impactful determinant of performance for the simpler VTT. This indicates that transfer effects from alternative input devices depend in part on properties of the task.ApplicationThis research can inform practice policies for psychomotor test selection.