Information Processing Capacity

A number of representative, but not exhaustive combinations are illustrated for each information-processing capacity type. Depending on objectives of the test task (as communicated to the subject under test) and metrics obtained, many different unique capacities are defined. In some applications (e.g., in evaluating a subject who has suffered a stroke in very localized region of the brain) the specificity is important. In others (e.g., in evaluating a neurologic disease with widespread generalized effects) the responder may be chosen for convenience. 

FIGURE 78.4 Major components of a specific microprocessor-based instrument (Human Performance Measurement, Inc. Model BEP I) for measurement of a selected subset of information-processing capacities incorporating high-intensity LEDs for visual stimuli and large contact area, fast touch sensors to acquire responses (made by the upper extremity) from the subject under test (semicircle radius is 15 cm). 

The information-processing capacities of machine components (e.g., knowledge, artificial intelligence, processing speed, algorithms, and data)... 

ABSTRACT The tasks involved in air traffic control (ATC) make heavy demands on the information processing capacities of air traffic controllers. In particular, human factors problems that lead to both major and minor incidents are considered to be a serious problem for ATC in air traffic safety. Since ATC is usually undertaken by a team of controllers, team collaboration is a key issue for keeping good condition in ATC. However, this aspect has not been well studied compared with individual cognitive process. In this research, we examined the functional problems in an ATC system from the human factors aspects, and concluded that a systematic method and models are needed to analyze this problem. Thus, we consider that an effective way to understand user requirements is to analyze user tasks based on actual field data. The aim of this research is to analyze team cognitive processes and team situation awareness in normal (i.e., not accidental) situations for a team of en route air traffic controllers based on the distributed cognition approach so as to better understand current ATC systems. 

Surry s model focuses on human actions rather than errors and the positive contributions of the operators to safety by adequate handling of hazardous situations. Accidents occur when the demands from the environment to handle hazardous situations exceed the information-processing capacity of the human operator. The operator receives information, processes it, makes decisions and acts. The information thus has to pass through several filters , where there are possibilities of information loss or distortion. There are perceptual filters such as reduced eyesight or hearing or inadequate... 

Human information processing We touched upon this area in Section 10.3. Here, we will focus on one specific aspect, the decision-maker s limited information-processing capacity (Sanders and McCormick, 1992). 

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