Ryan Hope

Abstract

This paper reports an experiment designed to investigate whether the Model of Multiple Identity Tracking can be use to predict air traffic controller performance in terms of situation awareness. The experiment tests a number of predictions derived from the Model of Multiple Identity Tracking. This model posits that when tracking multiple moving objects, the location of 4-5 objects can be acquired in parallel but the identification of any one target needs serial attention. While one object is being identified, an error factor associated with the location of all other objects increases with respect to an objects speed and the amount of time since the object's location-identity binding was refreshed. On an individual basis, working memory limits the number location-identity bindings that be stored at any one time and long term memory makes familiar objects easier to track. The experimental task consisted of tracking a set of moving objects for twenty seconds. The objects were 6-character strings; three letters followed by three numbers. After tracking the objects for twenty seconds, the participant was instructed to locate a target-objects. The time required to find the target object was recorded. The number of objects and the magnitude of direction changes (entropy) were manipulated. The main effect of number of objects was found to be significant. The main effect of entropy was found to be marginally significant. The pattern of results supports the idea that the Model of Multiple Identity Tracking (MOMIT) can be used to predict air traffic controller performance. A formula derived from MOMIT to predict completion time showed a good fit to the experimental data.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Air traffic controllers--Rating of; Prediction (Psychology); Situational awareness; Attention

Publication Date

8-10-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Psychology (CLA)

Advisor

Rantanen, Esa

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HD8039.A425 H67 2009

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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