Human information-processing models

The human factors literature is rich in behavioral and cognitive models of human performance. Because of space limitations, however, only three generic models of human performance will be presented here. They have found extensive applications. Section 2.1 presents a behavioral model developed by Wickens (1992), the human information-processing model. Sections 2.2 and 2.3 present two cognitive models, the action-cycle model of Norman (1988) and the skill-, rule-, and knowledge-based model of Rasmussen (1986). 

Figure 1 The Human Information-Processing Model. (Adapted from Wickens 1992)...

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1195 Human information-processing model, 1014-1017... 

Investigating situational characteristics in the contextual human information processing model for warning citizens... 

Sillem, S. and J. W. F. Wiersma (2008). Constructing a Contextual Human Information Processing Model for Warning Citizens. PSAM9, Hong Kong. 

Figure 3-3, A general limited capacity human information processing model (from Wickens, 1992).

Human information-processing models focus on the interaction between the human operator and the environment in a disturbed system. This interaction is analysed from the human operator s point of view. The operator is viewed as an information processor who responds to deviations and hazards in the environment, Figure5.10.Inananalysisofan accident, the aim is to identify human failures in identifying and evaluating the situation and in taking the appropriate measures. 

A problem in the application of the human information-processing models is that internal information processes are not readily available. They have to be interpreted from observations of actual behaviour and from interviews. This usually requires expert knowledge. The application of information ergonomics models in safety practice is thus mainly limited to in-depth investigation with participation of human-factor experts. 

A second concern is that the models focus on cold variables related to the cognitive processes of the human being. In a real situation, hot or emotional variables such as the feeling of embarrassment and threat will have significant impact on the individual s ability to handle the situation and to avoid accidents. These types of variables are de-emphasised in the human information processing models. We will come back to these types of models in Chapter 8. 

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