Information processing model

Another common approach is to use an information-processing model to classify human errors. The classification models the information processing which occurs when a person operates and controls complex systems such as processing plants. One such classification (Rouse and Rouse, 1983) identifies six steps in information processing. Exhibit 6.1 lists the six steps, and provides some examples of errors that can occur at each of these steps. 

Applying the information-processing model to each of the operator tasks can provide insights into the potential for human error and also suggest solutions for preventing errors. 

Human Information-Processing A view of the human operator as an information-processing system. Information-processing models are convention-aUy expressed in terms of diagrams which indicate the flow of information throu stages such as perception, decision-making, and action. 

Of particular relevance to the above discussion is the way in which learners initially handle incoming iuformation such as that presented in a lesson, a lecture demonstration or during laboratory instruction. The new irrformation is perceived and filtered in terms of what the learner already knows and canimderstand. As a result, iuformation is not transferred intact from the mind of the teacher to the mind of the learner. It undergoes an initial selection (filtration) process and what is admitted will vary from person to person. Students with a similar backgrottrrd will tend to select in a similar, but not identical, way (Johnstone, 2007). An information-processing model is presented in Fig. 5.1. 

Fig. 5.1 The information processing model (from Johnstone, 2007, with permission)...

Stamovlasis, D., Tsaparlis, G. (2001). Application of complexity theory to an information processing model in seience education. Nonlinear Dynamics in Psychology and Life Sciences, 3, 267-286. 

Johnstone AH, Sleet RJ, Vianna JF (1994) An information-processing model of learning - Its application to an undergraduate laboratory course in chemistry. Stud High Educ, 19(l) 77-87... 

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. 

Simon, H. A. (1979). Information Processing Models of Cognition. Annual Review of Psychology, 30, pp. 363-396. 

A similar picture emerged when Jentsch, Hitt and Bowers (2002) examined the 61 aviation training issues contained within Funk and Lyall s (1997) human-automation interaction database of accident and incident reports, interviews, research reviews, and questionnaire data. Jentsch, Hitt and Bowers (2002) used an information processing model similar to that proposed by Nagel (1988) to classify automation-related problems. The results indicated that 86.9 per cent of issues were associated with perception and decision-making, while only 13.1 per cent of issues were associated with the action stage of human performance. Similarly, in air traffic control, 91.1 per cent of problems emerging from the introduction of a new air traffic control facility were classified as perceptual or decision-related in nature, while action issues accounted for only 8.9 per cent of concerns (Jentsch, Hitt and Bowers, 2002). 

Jentsch, F., Hittll, J.M. and Bowers, C., (2002), Identifying training areas of advanced automated aircraft Application of an information processing model. Advances in Human Performance and Cognitive Engineering Research, 2, 123-137. 

Swanson, L. 2003. An information-processing model of maintenance management. International Journal of Production Economics, Vol.83 No.l, 45-64. 

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