The Case for Micro-models

Abstract

This paper examines the appropriate role of human performance micro-models in simulations of human-machine system operations. Requirements for general human micro-models are considered relative to the objectives of simulation studies, the conditions under which simulations are constructed and used, the status of human performance data bases and models, and the features provided with general-purpose simulation software. This investigation focuses particularly on a new simulation tool for simulating human-machine systems; it is known as the Human Operator Simulator – Version V (HOS-V). A general design principle of HOS-V has been to provide embedded human performance micro-models for the basic performance processes that seem most pervasive and interactive with other processes. These include representations for processes of body movement, cognition, and attention. Key to these representations are the substructures in each area. Body movement models describe locations of body parts and constraints on their movement. Cognition models describe how the human processes information through perception, memory, decision-making, and action initiation. The attention model describes how a limited attentional resource is allocated to the various body movement and cognition processes, each of which has a defined attentional requirement. Plans for implementation of micro-model components of HOS-V are discussed.