Training for Systematic Search Using a Job Aid

A dominant component of quality control, visual inspection can be broken down into two elements: visual search and decision-making. This study focuses on the search process. The search process has been mathematically described as random, systematic, or somewhere in between. Mathematical models and empirical studies have shown that the best performance in detecting defects during visual inspection results from the use of a systematic search strategy. For this study, a job aid that could potentially be used as an off-line training tool was developed to promote systematic visual search strategy. The job aid, a moving cursor on the viewing screen, was used to determine an optimal search speed or a range of optimal speeds for which the highest inspection accuracy could be achieved.

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Optimum speed of visual inspection using a systematic search strategy

IIE Transactions ◽

10.1080/07408179508936743 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 291-299 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

M.H. KARWAN ◽

T.B. MORAWSKI ◽

C.G. DRURY

Keyword(s):

Visual Inspection ◽

Search Strategy ◽

Systematic Search ◽

Optimum Speed

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Can we Train Humans to be Systematic Inspectors?

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193129804201618 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 42 (16) ◽

pp. 1165-1169 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

George M. Nickles ◽

Valerie Sacrez ◽

Anand K. Gramopadhye

Keyword(s):

Search Strategy ◽

Random Search ◽

Systematic Search ◽

Search Pattern ◽

Search Performance ◽

Inspection Task ◽

Job Aid

Previous research in inspection has shown that a systematic search strategy is more effective than a random search strategy in looking for defects. Moreover, past studies have shown that training can improve search strategy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a job aid could be used to train inspectors to adopt a systematic search strategy and thereby improve their search performance. The study used a computer simulated inspection task and a job aid, which included a cursor that traced a systematic search pattern over the inspection surface represented by the screen. An experiment was designed wherein sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, those who received practice and instructions on the use of a systematic search strategy and those who received training on the job aid. The results are analyzed and reported

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A Variable-Memory Model of Visual Search

Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ◽

10.1177/001872088402600602 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 631-639 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

T. Arani ◽

M. H. Karwan ◽

C. G. Drury

Keyword(s):

Visual Search ◽

Search Strategy ◽

Random Search ◽

Search Time ◽

Systematic Search ◽

Memory Model ◽

Movement Data ◽

Family Of Curves ◽

Special Case ◽

Variable Memory

Previous models of visual search have hypothesized either a random search or a repeated systematic search strategy. Although both models reproduce well the cumulative search time distribution, F(t), neither fully accords with eye movement data. A new model is proposed in which search is intended to be systematic but suffers from imperfect memory. Systematic search is then a special case in which the memory is perfect, and random search a special case in which the memory is totally lacking. The model was derived for single and multiple occurrences of a single fault (or target) type. Where the model could be proved to be insoluble, a simulation model was used. Simulation results were compared with the previous calculations of Morawski, Drury, and Karwan (1980) and were shown to give identical results for pure random and pure systematic search. As the parameters of the memory model were varied, a family of curves between these extremes was produced.

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