Mitigating complexity in Air Traffic Control : the role of structure-based abstractions

Cognitive complexity is a limiting factor on the capacity and efficiency of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. A multi-faceted cognitive ethnography approach shows that structure, defined as the physical and informational elements that organize and arrange the ATC environment, plays an important role in helping controllers mitigate cognitive complexity. Key influences of structure in the operational environment and on controller cognitive processes are incorporated into a cognitive process model. Controllers are hypothesized to internalize the structural influences in the form of abstractions simplifying their working mental model of the situation. By simplifying their working mental model, these structure-based abstractions reduce cognitive complexity. Four examples of structure-based abstractions are identified and mechanisms by which they reduce cognitive complexity described. Experimental evidence is presented to support a key cognitive complexity reduction mechanism, the reduction of the "order", or the degrees-of-freedom, of a controller's working mental model. The use of structure-based abstractions is dynamic and responsive to changes in task conditions; these changes are hypothesized to reflect transitions between distinct operating modes. Experimental evidence of such changes in the use of standard flows in the airspace is presented. The cognitive process model and the concept of structure-based abstractions are shown to be useful tools for identifying cognitive complexity considerations arising from changes to the structure of the ATC system. Examples of cognitive complexity considerations for four opportunities to increase the efficiency, capacity, and robustness of the ATC system are presented. The cognitive process model is also used as part of a cognitive review of the current en route controller training system. This review revealed key pedagogical techniques used to teach structure, factors creating the need for sector-specific mental models and abstractions, and opportunities to improve the efficiency of controller training, such as developing more generic airspace.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Histon, Jonathan M

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• R. John Hansman, Jr.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/46560

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/46560