Job performance aids: Evaluation of design alternatives via network simulation

Abstract

Network simulation was used as an alternative to laboratory experimentation to assess and evaluate different combinations of job performance aid (J PA) formats and the effect of stress on task performance with a J PA. An operational model was developed for a task series lhat was defined by both speed and accuracy constraints. Themodel was simulated under various levels of speed stress with different combinations of the task's speed and accuracy constraints. The data generated were statistically evaluated and a subset of conditions were compared to the results of a laboratory experiment to assess the validity of the model. Input data were developed from past studies and existing theories of human behaviour by employing: (1) psychological theories and experimental results regarding reading behaviour; and (2) methods-time-mcasurements for determining the physical motions involved. Mean task time was found to be a function of task constraints and the JPA format matched to those constraints. Performance time decreased when a state of organizing stress was induced by reducing the overall available task time to perform the task series. Continued reduction of the overall available time produced a point at which the stress became disorganizing and caused mean task time to increase. The results of the simulation were supported by the laboratory experiment. The laboratory findings were consistent with exisling JPA literature.