Development of a Methodology for Assessing Aircrew Workloads.
Abstract
The adaptability of industrial methods for setting job and time standards to workload assessment requirements was investigated. Methods considered included direct and indirect time study, synthetic time systems, standard data systems, information content analysis, work sampling and job evaluation. Conventional methods were found to be deficient in accounting for task time variability, divided-attention effects, and cognitive demands which are regarded as critical to effective air crew workload assessment. A combination of synthetic time and standard data system methodologies was proposed as an effective approach to the problem. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of developing a Synthetic Data System(SDS) consistent with workload assessment needs. Swithing, communication and perceptual-mediational tasks were paired with tracking to create divided-attention demands characteristic of pilot workloads. Regression analyses showed that significant amounts of variance in task time requirements and error rates could be accounted for in terms of task and man-machine interface design variables. Development of an SDS on the basis of the performance of aircrew members in aircraft simulators is recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA114364
Entities
People
- David M. Ings
- David R. Payne
- James R. Buck
- James W. Barany
- Mark L. Lehto
Organizations
- Purdue University