Modeling and Predicting Mental Workload in En Route Air Traffic Control: Critical Review and Broader Implications

This paper presents a critical research review on mental workload in en route air traffic control (ATC). A theoretical model of operator strategic behavior and workload management is also developed through which workload can be predicted within ATC and other complex work systems. The authors review research on strategies employed by controllers to minimize the control activity and information-processing requirements of control tasks. Although task demand has a strong relationship with workload, evidence suggests that the relationship depends on the capacity of the controllers to select priorities, manage their cognitive resources, and regulate their own performance. Controller workload cannot be effectively modeled until controllers' strategies for regulating the cognitive impact of task demand have been modeled. The conclusions from this study can be used to reorient workload modeling in complex work systems to capture the dynamic and adaptive nature of the operator's work.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1329271
• Authors:
  • Loft, Shayne
  • Sanderson, Penelope
  • Neal, Andrew
  • Mooij, Martijn
• Publication Date: 2007-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 376-399
• Serial:
  • Human Factors
  • Volume: 49
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Sage Publications, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0018-7208
  • EISSN: 1547-8181
  • Serial URL: http://hfs.sagepub.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic controllers; Behavior; Cognition; Enroute traffic control; Literature reviews; Mathematical models; Psychological aspects; Strategic planning; Task analysis; Theory; Workload
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01053653
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 2007 3:14PM