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Virginia Tech

Development and validation of a methodology for comprehensive performance assessment of complex tasks

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

A new task analysis methodology was developed to provide objective information on complex tasks. A complex task was broken down into observable elements and unobservable elements that were inferred to have taken place in support of the observable actions. Subject matter experts (SMEs) were used to assist in this breakdown. Additionally, guidelines for specifying the level of detail in the task analysis breakdown were developed to help objectify the analysis. A simulation model framework then was built of the task elements. Personnel proficient in the task were observed during work, and objective data on their observable actions were collected. These data then were used to provide numeric input to a simulation model. The simulation was run, and the results of the model of performance compared to the observed performance data. The model was altered at that point to reflect lessons learned during data collection. The process yielded a model that accurately reflects human performance on the task. Variations on the model based on a conceptual understanding of operators strategies also correlated well with observed performance, indicating the value of the methodology for building an understanding of the motivations critical to successful task performance.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1995

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Green, Charles A.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Beaton, Robert J.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Dryden, Robert D.
  • Kemmerling, Paul T. Jr.
  • Prestrude, Albert M.
  • Snyder, Harry L.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-03022006-093414
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/37458

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Green, Charles A.. Development and validation of a methodology for comprehensive performance assessment of complex tasks. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/37458