Supporting change detection in complex dynamic situations: Does the CHEX serve its purpose?

Benoit R. Vallières*, Helen M. Hodgetts, François Vachon, Sébastien Tremblay

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Change detection is required in monitoring and managing complex situations such as air traffic control. Considering that change blindness - the incapacity to detect changes in a visual scene - is a considerable source of human errors and that most studies on change detection have involved static visual scenes, it is crucial to evaluate existing tools designed to help this cognitive function in complex dynamic situations. The goal of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the Change History Explicit (CHEX) - a tool already proven effective when explicit change detection is the only task to execute - when change detection is implicit and intrinsic to a more complex task. Results revealed that the CHEX failed to improve implicit change detection when this task was embedded in a threat-evaluation and weapon-assignment (TEWA) task. Moreover, TEWA performance was hindered and mental workload was perceived as higher when the CHEX was available. Even when the information load imposed by the CHEX was reduced, the tool remained ineffective. This suggests that the nature of the change detection task should be taken into account when designing a decision support system.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
Pages1708-1712
Number of pages5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012 - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: 22 Oct 201226 Oct 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period22/10/1226/10/12

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