Human factors is the study of human perceptual and cognitive capabilities and limitations and the role these play in the effective use of consumer products, machines, computers, and large-scale systems in the context of real-world activities. Human factors research at the CSL is currently focused on the effects of different types and levels of computer automation on human attention and performance, particularly in the context of aviation. A major research thrust over the past decade has been the investigation of pilot performance with cockpit automation and the validation of a new approach to automation implementation called adaptive automation.          In 1997, a new area of study within aviation human factors was initiated with the receipt of a large research grant from NASA Ames Research Center. This research is concerned with examining the human performance effects of advanced procedures for management of air traffic, including the investigation of a new set of technologies and procedures that will radically change the world of aviation, the concept of Free Flight sometimes referred to as random routing.

            Methods used in human factors studies at the CSL include psychometrically-validated questionnaires, field surveys, and performance tests on laboratory flight-related tasks. Additional techniques involve psychophysiological measures of attention and mental workload, primarily heart rate variability, event-related brain potentials, and eye movements, and medium-fidelity simulator studies with pilots and air traffic controllers as expert participants.

            Two projects have specifically examined a new approach to automation, adaptive function allocation. Studies of both "conventional" and adaptive automation have been carried out with college students and experienced pilots as subjects. These studies have used a PC-based part-task flight simulation that has been revised in the CSL. In the past year, the lab has acquired a higher-fidelity flight simulator which is being used to investigate similar automation issues in a more generalizable setting.

The flight simulator is driven by several  PC compatibles which run the simulation  software, run the CSL interface software,  produce out-the-window views,  and collect physiological data.

Current Research Projects in the area of Human Factors are:

• Cockpit Adaptive Automation and Pilot Performance
  Principal Investigator: Raja Parasuraman
  Source of funding: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center
• Dynamic Automation Tools for Air Traffic Management
  Principal Investigator: Raja Parasuraman
  Source of funding: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center
• Evaluation of Countermeasures for Preformance Decrements due to Automation Induced Complacency in IFR rated General Aviation Pilots, Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP)
  Sponsor: Raja Parasuraman
  Awardee: Scott Galster
  Source of funding: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• Human Factors Area