The Cognitive Costs and Benefits of Automation
Abstract
In complex environments like Command and Control (C2) where human errors may have tragic consequences, intelligent automated systems are essential to execute complex tasks, such as situation assessment and decision-making. However, because C2 environments also are dynamic, it may be difficult for the machine to adapt to the changing and unstable conditions of the environment. That is when the human capacity of adaptation is required. Because the human cannot be completely replaced or removed from the execution of these tasks, the interaction and coordination between the human and the automated system becomes crucial. This paper discusses the cognitive costs and benefits related to automation within the execution of all processes that lead to the course of action selection. Among the benefits identified, the human workload and the demand of attentional resources can be significantly reduced. A major cognitive cost of automation can be attributed to the shifting role of the human in the execution of a task. With automated systems, the role of the human is to supervise the system's functioning. However, the more passive role of supervisor may prevent humans from building an appropriate mental model of emergency situations that is essential for the recovery of system failures. (8 figures, 10 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA422303
Entities
People
- Eloi Bosse
- Richard Breton
Organizations
- DRDC Valcartier