Cognitive Psychology in Decision Support and Human Factors
Applying Cognition to Real Systems
Cognition Under Constraint
Real-world decisions are made under limited attention, time pressure, uncertainty, and competing goals. Applied cognitive psychology studies how heuristics, memory limits, and workload shape behavior in domains such as medicine, aviation, and cybersecurity.
Design Implication
A well-designed system assumes human fallibility and reduces the cost of inevitable error.
Key Constructs
Human Error Reduction Strategies
Training-focused approach
- Improves skills and knowledge
- May not survive high workload
- Assumes errors stem mainly from user deficits
System-focused approach
- Redesigns tasks, cues, and defaults
- Reduces reliance on perfect memory
- Targets latent error sources
In human factors, the best way to reduce error is often to:
System redesign is usually more effective than relying only on user vigilance.
Correct answer: Redesign the system to make errors less likely and less harmful
What is situation awareness?
It is a core concept in complex decision environments where missed cues can be dangerous.
Correct answer: The perception, comprehension, and projection of relevant environmental information.
Cognitive Task Analysis in Practice
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Step 1: Observe experts performing the task in context.
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Step 2: Identify decision points, cues, and bottlenecks.
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Step 3: Map cognitive demands and failure modes.
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Step 4: Translate findings into training or interface redesign.
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Step 5: Evaluate whether performance and safety improve.
Which factor most strongly increases cognitive load in complex tasks?
Competing demands overtax limited attentional and working-memory resources.
Correct answer: Simultaneous competing demands on attention and working memory