scholarly journals Examining the Effect of Interruptions at Different Breakpoints and Frequencies Within a Task

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110090
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Powers ◽  
Mark W. Scerbo
Keyword(s):  
Task Analysis ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Task Structure ◽  
Trip Planning ◽  
Hierarchical Task Analysis ◽  
The Third ◽  
Initial Task ◽  
Event Segmentation Theory ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Within Subjects

Objective The purpose was to explore how event segmentation theory (EST) can be used to determine optimal moments for an interruption relying on hierarchical task analysis (HTA) to identify coarse and fine event boundaries. Background Research on the effects of interruptions shows that they can be either disruptive or beneficial, depending on which aspects of an interruption are manipulated. Two important aspects that contribute to these conflicting results concern when and how often interruptions occur. Method Undergraduates completed a trip planning task divided into three subtasks. The within-subjects factor was interruption timing with three levels: none, coarse breakpoints, and fine breakpoints. The between-subjects factor was interruption frequency with two levels: one and three. The dependent measures included resumption lag, number of errors, mental workload, and frustration. Results Participants took longer to resume the primary task and reported higher mental workload when interruptions occurred at fine breakpoints. The effect of interruptions at coarse breakpoints was similar to completing the task without interruption. Interruption frequency had no effect on performance; however, participants spent significantly longer attending to interruptions in the initial task, and within a task, the first and second interruptions were attended to significantly longer than the third interruption. Conclusion The disruptiveness of an interruption is tied to the point within the task hierarchy where it occurs. Application The performance cost associated with interruptions must be considered within the task structure. Interruptions occurring at coarse breakpoints may not be disruptive or have a negative effect on mental workload.

Usability Test and Cognitive Analyses During the Task of Using Wireless Earphones

2018 ◽  
pp. 241-263
Author(s):  
Nora G. Bustamante ◽  
Aide Aracely Maldonado Macías ◽  
Adrian A. Durán ◽  
Juan Carlos Ortiz Nicolás ◽  
Andres R. Quiñones
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Task Analysis ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Human Errors ◽  
Hierarchical Task Analysis ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Usability Test ◽  
Nasa Tlx

The use of novel technologies can be complicated for some people; even products designed for everyday use can present problems. If a product is difficult to use, it causes frustration and prevents usage. The objectives of this study are to conduct a usability test, assess the mental workload, and identify potential human errors during the process of listening to music using wireless earphones from a mobile phone device to detect which operations were the hardest in order to suggest modifications to the design and to bring a better experience to the user. During the usability test some difficulties among users were detected and a hierarchical task analysis (HTA) was developed. NASA-TLX and SHERPA methods were applied. The use of these earphones resulted in an intermediate mental workload, and four types of human errors were identified. The methods used in this study helped to detect those difficult tasks and subtasks for the users.

Doctors' handovers in an acute medical assessment unit: A hierarchical task analysis

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle A. Raduma-Tomas ◽  
Rhona Flin ◽  
Steven Yule ◽  
Steven Close
Keyword(s):  
Task Analysis ◽  
Medical Assessment ◽  
Hierarchical Task Analysis ◽  
Assessment Unit

Surgical simulation workflow representation using hierarchical task analysis and statecharts: Implementation on the evolution engine

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin MacKenzie ◽  
Shaun Carnegie ◽  
James Schmalz ◽  
Mike Schmalz ◽  
Sandrine de Ribaupierre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Task Analysis ◽  
Surgical Simulation ◽  
Hierarchical Task Analysis

Student mood and responses to standing desks in the college classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Green ◽  
Myia L. Graves ◽  
Carrie M. Edwards ◽  
Edward P. Hebert ◽  
Daniel B. Hollander
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
College Classrooms ◽  
Class Meetings ◽  
Students First ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Within Subjects

Physical activity enhances physical health, reduces disease, and resists metabolic syndrome and obesity, while sitting for extended periods of time has a negative effect on long term health outcomes. Thus, reducing sitting time has been identified as a health-enhancing goal. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions and responses of college students to sitting versus standing in class. Five standing desks were placed in a classroom of traditional sitting desks. In a counterbalanced, within subjects design, 88 undergraduate students (age M=21.64, SD=6.55 years) participated in the study. Some participating students first stood at a desk for three consecutive class meetings and then sat for three classes while others sat for three consecutive classes and then stood for three. Surveys were administered at the beginning and end of each class and at the end of six consecutive class sessions. Results indicated that mood was signifi- cantly higher on standing than sitting days, the majority of participants had a favorable perception of the standing-in-class experience, and would use standing stations if the option was available. This study is one of few to examine the viability and response to adding standing desks in college classrooms, and indicates standing desks may be perceived favorably and could be utilized to reduce sitting time.

AB088. 169. Identifying and reducing risks in functional endoscopic sinus surgery through a hierarchical task analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. AB088-AB088
Author(s):  
Mel Corbett ◽  
Paul O’Connor Dara Byrne ◽  
Mona Thornton ◽  
Michael Callaghan ◽  
Ivan Keogh
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery ◽  
Task Analysis ◽  
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Hierarchical Task Analysis

Mitigating Accident Risk in Farm Tractors

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
Linnea Etzler ◽  
Stefano Marzani ◽  
Roberto Montanari ◽  
Francesco Tesauri
Keyword(s):  
Task Analysis ◽  
Force Feedback ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Accident Risk ◽  
Final Solution ◽  
Work Situation ◽  
Auditory Displays ◽  
Hierarchical Task Analysis ◽  
Function Allocation ◽  
And Function

FEATURE AT A GLANCE: The complexity of on-board equipment for farm tractors has grown dramatically in recent years, leading to significant changes in the operator's work situation. Today, most tractor functions are performed from inside the cabin, but little progress has been made toward reducing the risks associated with higher workloads. This article describes a methodology for designing a risk mitigation system for reducing rollover accidents. The methodology represents a combination of hierarchical task analysis and function allocation. Its implementation led to a final solution composed of visual and auditory displays and a joystick that gives force feedback in risky situations

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