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Cognitive Ergonomics studies cognition in work settings, in order to optimize human well-being and system performance.
Goals
Cognitive ergonomics or cognitive engineering is an emerging branch of ergonomics that places particular emphasis on the analysis of cognitive processes – e.g., diagnosis, decision making and planning – required of operators in modern industries. Cognitive ergonomics aim to enhance performance of cognitive tasks by means of several interventions, including:
- user-centered design of human-machine interaction and human-computer interaction (HCI);
- design of information technology systems that support cognitive tasks (e.g., cognitive artifacts);
- development of training programs;
- work redesign to manage cognitive workload and increase human reliability.
Methodology
Successful ergonomic interventions in the area of cognitive tasks require a thorough understanding, not only of the demands of the work situation, but also of user strategies in performing cognitive tasks and of limitations in human cognition. In some cases, the artifacts or tools used to carry out a task may impose their own constraints and limitations (e.g., navigating through a large number of GUI screens); in fact tools co-determine the very nature of the task. In this sense, the analysis of cognitive tasks should examine both the interaction of users with their work setting and the user interaction with artifacts or tools; the latter is very important as modern artifacts (e.g., control panels, software, expert systems) become increasingly sophisticated.. Emphasis lies on how to design man-machine interfaces and cognitive artifacts so that human performance is sustained in work environments where information may be unreliable, events may be difficult to predict, conflicting goals , and performance may be time constrained. Typical domains of application include Process Control Rooms ( Chemical Plant, Airt Traffic), Command & Control Centers, Operating Theaters etc. Other types of situations, familiar but variable, are also considered as they entail performance of cognitive tasks: e.g video recording, using an in-car GPS navigation system etc.. Approaches used include:
- Cognitive Systems Engineering
- Francophone Ergonomics
Relation to other Disciplines
Cognitive Ergonomics draws from:
- Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science
- Systems Engineering
- Ethnography and Cultural Anthropology (Distributed Cognition)
- Ethnomethodology
- Activity Theory
Related Fields
References
- Long, J. 1987, Cognitive ergonomics and human±computer interaction, in P. Warr (ed.),
- Marmaras, N. and Kontogiannis, T. (2001). Cognitive tasks. In: G. Salvendy (eds), Handbook of Industrial Engineering, (pp. 1013-1040). 3nd Edition, Wiley.
Organizations
EACE - European Association of Cognitive Ergonomics Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making Technical Group (CEDM-TG)
Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Cognition, Technology & Work
- Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science
- Activities (French)
- Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making
- Ergonomics
- PsychNology Journal
Websites
- Cognitive Systems Engineering Laboratory
- Cognitive Engineering Laboratory (CEL) at the University of Toronto
- Cognitive Engineering Research Group
- Ergonomics Unit (ErgoU), National Technical University of Athens
- Human Technology Lab, department of General Psychology - University of Padua
Suggested Readings
- Vicente, K. J. (1999). Cognitive Work Analysis: Toward safe, productive, and healthy computer based work. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
- Norman, D. A. (1993). Things that Make Us Smart. New York: Addison Wesley Company.
- Hutchins, E. (1995). Cognition in the Wild. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
- Hollnagel, E. (2003) (Ed.), Handbook of cognitive task design. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
"Cognitive ergonomics"