Publication | Closed Access
Behind Human Error: Cognitive Systems, Computers and Hindsight
395
Citations
0
References
1994
Year
The report extends beyond viewing human error solely as a causal factor of accidents. The study examines how organizational processes, technology design, and outcome knowledge influence practitioners’ cognition and error attribution. The authors use domain examples to show how deficiencies in computerized devices and organizational processes lead to interaction breakdowns. The report explains why latent failures in technology and processes can persist without causing accidents. The report also highlights mode error.
Abstract : This report goes beyond a characterization of human error as a causal factor of accidents. It discusses the larger system within which practitioners operate and show how blunt end factors such as organizational processes and technology design impact the cognition and behavior of those at the sharp end. Examples from various domains are used to illustrate deficiencies in computerized devices, which can lead to breakdowns in interaction. such as mode error. Reasons are presented for why these deficiencies as latent failures can exist without giving rise to accidents. Also discussed is the role of outcome knowledge in the attribution of error.