Training in process control: supporting performance in consideration of operator characteristics

This doctoral thesis investigated how training can best support process control performance in consideration of individual differences, i.e. operator characteristics. Process control can be found in industries that control large chemical, energy or thermal processes and is highly safety-critical. The research question was approached through experimental studies conducted with a simulated process control task. Study I investigated the relationship between operator characteristics and process control performance. Study II replicated and extended these findings by analyzing the relation between the same and additional operator characteristics and process control performance. The focus of study III was on the comparison of three training approaches designed to enhance process control performance. Study IV aimed at applying a novel measure of structural knowledge to test its potential as a training outcome in process control. Taken together, the results show that effects of operator characteristics and training methods on performance differ with respect to the two main tasks of process control–system control and fault finding. Hence, one needs to consider operator characteristics and design training interventions according to each of the subtasks

The predictive qualities of operator characteristics for process control performance: the influence of personality and cognitive variables

This article examines the relationship between operator characteristics and process control performance. The findings suggest that consideration of cognitive ability and cognitive flexibility be increased in personnel selection for complex work environments

Process control and risky decision-making:moderation by general mental ability and need for cognition

Human factors and ergonomics research could benefit from focusing more strongly on individual differences especially trait variables. The present study suggests the analysis of moderator effects as a promising way to enhance understanding of trait variables and process control performance. Process control performance was studied by analysing moderator effects of general mental ability (GMA) and need for cognition (NC) on risky decision-making (RDM) and performance. Fifty engineering students were trained on a process control task using a computer-based simulation for three hours and tested twice thereafter. Risky decision-making was measured using a computerised gambling task while GMA and NC were assessed with questionnaires. Risky decision-making in interaction with each GMA and NC explained variance in performance over and above variance explained by the single effects. In conclusion, the analysis of moderator effects between individual difference variables and process control performance seems promising

The effects of heuristic rule training on operator performance in a simulated process control environment

In complex work environments, the occurrence of novel system states represents a particular challenge for the design of training. This article is concerned with the use of heuristic rules to prepare operators for the management of unfamiliar fault states. An experiment was carried out to examine the effects of heuristic rule training on operator performance and system management behaviour