Abstract
This paper expands on the traditional methodology of Cognitive Task Analysis (Schraagen, Chipman, & Shalin, 2000) (CTA) to disentangle the effects of task, tools, training, teamwork arrangements, and basic human cognition. CTA generalizes from numerous individuals performing the same task set in the same environment with the same toolset. Comparative Cognitive Task Analysis (C2TA) is based on replication, across both different individuals and different environments. We focus on the task of weather forecasting for Naval Air operations. Forecasters at US Navy (USN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) centers were studied as they developed forecasts. Similarities in workflow at both gross and detailed levels are attributable to characteristics of human cognition. Differences in time and frequency of tool usage are attributable to differences in available support. Taken together, these results suggest improvements in decision support systems for more timely weather forecasting by facilitating the common cognitive processes with improved tools.
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