Protocols for Cognitive Task Analysis
Abstract
The purpose of this Report to lay out guidance, including sample forms and instructions, for conducting a variety of Cognitive Task Analysis and Cognitive Field Research methods (including both knowledge elicitation and knowledge modeling procedures) that have a proven track record of utility in service of both expertise studies and the design of new technologies. Our presentation of guidance includes protocol notes. These are ideas, lessons learned, and cautionary tales for the researcher. We also present Templates prepared forms for various tasks. We describe methods useful in boostrapping, which involves learning about the domain and the needs of the clients. We describe methods used in proficiency scaling and procedures for modeling knowledge and reasoning. We describe methods coming from the academic laboratory (e.g., Protocol Analysis), methods coming from applied research (e.g., the Critical Decision Method) and methods coming from Cognitive Anthropology (e.g., Workpatterns Observations). We also describe methods coming from Human Factors Psychology, the Critical Decision Method and Goal-Directed Task Analysis. Along the way we present lessons learned and rules of thumb that arose in the course of conducting of a number of projects, both small-scale and large-scale. The guidance offered here spans the entire gamut going all the way from general advice about records-keeping, to detailed advice about audio recording knowledge elicitation interviews; going all the way from general issues involved in protocol analysis, to detailed advice about the problems and obstacles involved in managing large numbers of multi-media resources for knowledge models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA475456
Entities
People
- Robert R. Hoffman
Organizations
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition