Two Methods for Control Task Analysis
Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA; Vicente, 1999) is a five-step process by which to understand complex and dynamic work systems. We have been employing the first two steps of CWA, Work Domain Analysis (WDA) and Control Task Analysis (CTA) to investigate the development and maintenance of system/environment awareness, typically called ‘picture compilation’. There is little procedural guidance on how to carry out the CTA, and even less discussion of alternative interpretations of the analysis process. This paper describes two different methods of performing CTA that we have successfully employed in the course of our work. The relative strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed and put into the context of procedural reliability and validity.