Model of human information processing

We believe that research in the field of mental workload requires a sound theoretical model of human information processing, a model that is detailed enough to specify the information processing transactions involved in the task. Secondly, a thorough understanding of the control mechanisms underiying the particular psychophysiological indices of study is required. Computer Simula-... 

These results are directly compatible with models of human information processing (Rasmussen, 1983). Calculation is, in most cases, a skill-and-rule-based activity and requires relatively little mental effort. In contrast to this, selection and evaluation, as well as the activities around task clarification, are more rule-and knowledge-based tasks that require higher mental effort. According to the stress-strain concept, these phases result in a higher strain level. 

Fig. 3. Simple four-stage model of human information processing [6]...

Within each of the four stages of the model of human information processing, errors can occur. 

A problem in applying the different models of human information processing is that this information is not readily available. It has to be... 

Let us analyse error recovery in relation to a traditional model of human information processing, Figure 8.4. 

Based on models of human information processing where errors are caused by breakdown in ... 

A simplified, although quite robust, model that is useful within the context of human information processing is illustrated in Figure 78.1. With this figure, attention is called to systems, their functions, and major interconnectivities. At a functional level that is relatively high within the hierarchy of the human... 

In considering the performance of human information-processing systems, the resource-based perspective represented by the Elemental Resource Model (Kondraske, 2000] is adopted here. This model for human performance encompasses aU types of human subsystems and is the result of the application of a general theoretical framework for system performance to the human system and its subsystems. A central idea incorporated in this framework, universal to all types of systems, is that of performance capacity. 

In considering the performance of human information-processing systems, the resource-based perspective represented by the Elemental Resource Model (Kondraske, 2000) is adopted here. This model for human performance encompasses all types of human subsystems and is the result of the application of a general theoretical framework for system performance to the human system and its subsystems. A central idea incorporated in this framework, universal to all types of systems, is that of performance capacity. This implies a finite availability of some quantity that thereby limits performance. A general two-part approach is used to identify unique performance capacities (e.g., visual information processor speedy. (1) identify the system (e.g., visual information processor) and (2) identify the dimension of performance (e.g., speed). In this framework, system performance capacities are characterized by availability of performance resources along each of the identified dimensions. These performance resources... 

Five models of human cognitive processes and performance are discussed below. These were selected because they (1) describe concepts that are generally applicable to a wide range of information-processing tasks and (2) are engineering-oriented models for use on applied problems. 

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. 

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). 

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