Communication-Human Information Processing (C-HIP) Model

Abstract

This chapter describes the Communication-Human Information Processing (C-HIP) model. Sometimes an earlier, simpler version of C-HIP is used in the case studies' Human Factors and Ergonomics analyses. The complete C-HIP model is more complicated than the above-described linear, sequential-stages version. The main differences are in the Attention Switch, Attention Maintenance, and Comprehension/Memory stages. In the earliest versions of the C-HIP model, there was only one Attention stage, although later, the subparts of Switch and Maintenance have been distinguished in the accompanying text. According to the C-HIP model, warning information must be processed through several stages without impediments or bottlenecks that would block its progression. If prevented from completing the path due to bottlenecks, successful processing may be blocked. Although the C-HIP model was developed for warning processing, it is also a general model that could be used for explaining or structuring other domains of person-machine processing, such as the effective use of and interaction with technology.