REAL-TIME EXPERT-SYSTEM INTERFACES, COGNITIVE-PROCESSES, AND TASK-PERFORMANCE - AN EMPIRICAL-ASSESSMENT

In this experiment we investigated the effect of different real-time e xpert system interfaces on operators' cognitive processes and performa nce. The results supported the principle that a real-time expert syste m's interface should focus operators' attention on where it is require d most. However, following this principle resulted in unanticipated co nsequences. In particular, it led to inferior performance for less cri tical, yet important cases requiring operators' attention. For such ca ses operators performed better with an interface that let them select where they wanted to focus their attention. Having a rule generation c apability improved performance with all interfaces but did so less tha n hypothesized. In all cases performance with different interfaces and a rule generation capability was explained by the effect of the inter faces on cognitive process measures.