Some dimensions of a cognitive typology of process control situations

Abstract

In the area of process control, there is a need to elaborate the dimensions of a cognitive typology, which can be of relevance to explain research results and define their domains of validity. To do so, it is not enough to describe environments, but rather the results of interactions between environments and operators, termed situations. This paper discusses the conditions for achieving a cognitive typology, presents some of its possible dimensions and shows its usefulness. Six main dimensions are examined: (1) Control scope (causal, temporal, and spatial). There is a clear relationship between this dimension and expertise, through the use of schematic representations. (2) Control directness (effects of interventions on the crucial variables of the process). When control is indirect, interventions can initiate complex causal chains. This reinforces the need for planning and supervision of the implementations of these chains. (3) Process information accessibility. When information on the crucial variables of the process are not directly accessible, inferences which induce hypothesis generation and test strategies are necessary. (4) Process continuity. There is a clear-cut separation between discontinuous processes, representable by discrete state/transformation models, and continuous process where operators must deal with evolutions. (5) Level of automation. The key issue is probably the possibility open to the human to control the overall human-machine system, rather than the mere task allocation viewpoint. (6) Time constraints on the development of cognitive mechanisms.