Cognitive Compatibility Research Articles

An Investigation of the Relationship between Task Type and the Cognitive Compatibility of Display Formats

This paper describes an experiment that examined the cognitive compatibility of display design solutions based on the appropriateness of their frame of reference to the task being conducted. Displays based on both egocentric and exocentric information representations were used. These were tested using tasks requiring responses based on either egocentric or exocentric criteria. Analysis of the data revealed a significant interaction between task type and symbology (F (3, 44) = 4.177, p < 0.05). This result suggests that the cognitive compatibility of the displays was dependent on the consistency of the frame of reference of the task and display. Design guidelines have been produced to enable the implementation of cognitively compatible displays.

New Light through Old Windows: The Role of Cognitive Compatibility in Aircraft Dial Design

This paper reports the results of a study investigating the role of cognitive compatibility in the design of aircraft dials. Of particular relevance to this study is the relationship between the visual display and the required response. Using a four-by-four layout of aircraft engine dials, participants were instructed to respond to a single, disparate reading by making an appropriate left-right judgement. Both compatible and incompatible response mappings were tested: instruments grouped by engine (left and right), and instruments grouped by status (primary and secondary), respectively. The results indicated that a layout incompatible with the response significantly increased reaction times and error rate, regardless of graphical cues to encourage perceptual grouping into the correct response mapping. Finally, disparities between dial readings were harder to detect at oblique angles compared to those oriented to the horizontal axis. These results are interpreted in the light of current theories regarding cognitive compatibility and the oblique effect, and design guidelines for dials are discussed.

On the Application of Cognitive Compatibility to Aircraft Systems Design and Evaluation

Much research has been performed examining various aspects of the relationship between displays and controls in the aircraft cockpit as well as other, related contexts. Yet, the applicability of this work to the design or evaluation of modern aircraft systems is still limited. One reason for this limitation is the disproportionate focus on the physical (spatial) aspects of display-control relationships, often referred to as stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility, relative to the cognitive or perceptual aspects. Another reason for the limited applicability of this research to applied systems design is the lack of computer-aided models and automated tools which incorporate the established principles and guidelines. It is argued here that in order to optimize both the design process and design result of future cockpit interfaces, models of cognitive compatibility must be developed and incorporated into computer-based design and evaluation tools.

Graphical Argumentation and Design Cognition

Many efforts have been made to exploit the properties of graphical notations to support argument construction and communication. In the context of design rationale capture, we are interested in graphical argumentation structures as cognitive tools to support individual and collaborative design in real time. This context of use requires a detailed understanding of how a new representational structure integrates into the cognitive and discursive flow of design, that is, whether it provides supportive or intrusive structure. This article presents a use-oriented analysis of a graphical argumentation notation known as QOC (Questions, Options, and Criteria). Through a series of empirical studies, we show that it provides most support when elaborating poorly understood design spaces, but is a distraction when evaluating well-constrained design spaces. This is explained in terms of the cognitive compatibility between argumentative reasoning and the demands of different modes of designing. We then provide an account based on the collaborative affordances of QOC in group design meetings, and extend this to discuss the evolution of QOC argumentation from short term working memory to long term group memory.

Thinking Naturally about Uncertainty

Methods for handling uncertainty should be evaluated in terms of their cognitive compatibility with real-world decision makers. Bayesian models of uncertainty demand precise up-front assessments of all problem elements and discourage the dynamic evolution of problem understanding. They handle missing or conflicting data by mathematical aggregation, while real-world decision makers regard gaps in knowledge and conflicting evidence as problems to be solved. Finally, they produce as output a statistical average rather than a coherent picture of the situation. Another approach to decision making, based on pattern-matching, does not address the ways in which situation pictures are evaluated and modified. A third approach, however, called the Recognition / Metacognition model, treats decision making under uncertainty as a problem-solving process that starts with the results of recognition, verifies them, and improves them where necessary. Critiquing strategies identify problems of incompleteness, conflict, and unreliability in situation models, and lead to correcting steps that retrieve or collect additional information or adopt assumptions. Training methods based on this model have been developed and tested with active-duty Naval officers.

Designing human-machine interfaces to match the user's mental models

Cognitive compatibility of human-machine interfaces implies that the structure of the interface should match the cognitive structures of the users. A theory of mental models (structures of analogue knowledge) is described. A methodology incorporating this theory has been used to analyse the user's mental models in work settings. Furthermore, it has been employed to generate variants of human-machine interfaces with direct user participation. As an example, a new CNC system has been developed.

Designing Human-Machine Interfaces to Match the User's Needs

Cognitive compatibility of human-machine interfaces implies that the structure of the interface should match the cognitive structures of the users. A theory of mental models (structures of analogue knowledge) is described. A methodology incorporating this theory has been used to analyse the user’s mental models in work settings. Furthermore, it has been employed to generate variants of human-machine interfaces with direct user participation. As an example, a new CNC system has been developed.

Designing Human-Machine Systems to Match the User's Needs

Cognitive compatibility of human-machine interfaces implies that the structure of the interface should match the cognitive structures of the users. A theory of mental models (structures of analogue knowledge) is described. A methodology incorporating this theory has been used to analyse the user’s mental models in work settings. It has been embedded into a research-based set of criteria for system design to match the user’s needs. Furthermore, it has been employed to generate variants of human-machine interfaces with direct user participation. As an example, a new CNC system was developed.

Evidence incompatible with a cognitive compatibility theory of rating behavior.

Evidence incompatible with a cognitive compatibility theory of rating behavior.

Evidence incompatible with a cognitive compatibility theory of rating behavior.

Evidence incompatible with a cognitive compatibility theory of rating behavior.

The Influence of Raters' Cognitive Characteristics on the Reliability and Validity of Rating Scales.

A cognitive compatibility theory relating to performance appraisal was tested in this empirical study. The theory predicts that the most effective appraisals are obtained when the cognitive charact...

The role of cognitive process in social interaction.

This paper reports on a series of studies designed to investigate the hypothesis that the success of a social interaction is function of the compatibility among the participants in complexity or degree of differentiation of their cognitive structure. Patient-therapist cognitive compatibility is shown to predict the success of treatment outcome. Its role in the teacher-student relationship in mental health training is more complex: the teacher's cognitive structure appearing to be a primary variable. In community action groups, cognitive compatibility determines the nature and type of decisions or behaviors carried out by the group. The resarch emphasizes the need for increased familiarity with cognitive research among social psychiatrists.

Communication immediacy, cognitive compatibility, and immediacy of self-disclosure.

Communication immediacy, cognitive compatibility, and immediacy of self-disclosure.

Student-instructor cognitive compatibility in the large lecture class.

Student-instructor cognitive compatibility in the large lecture class.