Developing and using cognitive task typologies.
Based on experiences from case studies, some preliminary thoughts are presented regarding the why and how of developing a cognitive task typology model. Three different practical functions of such a typology are outlined: comparison, prediction, and design. These functions can be applied to sets of tasks both in the same and in different task worlds (e.g. artificial/laboratory tasks vs. real-life/case study tasks). Several existing techniques may be suitable for this purpose: hierarchical task analysis, verbal protocols, and the use of elementary cognitive modules. Finally two partly overlapping approaches to identify relevant task dimensions for a typology are outlined: one based on a macro-ergonomic view of human-machine systems, and the other centred around the cognitive concept of an operator's mental model of the task. In the Discussion a bottom-up strategy for typology development is advocated, and the relationship with task complexity is noted.
van der Schaaf
T W
TW
Eindhoven University of Technology, Graduate School of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Department of Technology and Work, The Netherlands.
D002965:Classification; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008960:Models, Psychological; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis