Abstract
Two knowledge elicitation tools for cognitive task analysis are described and compared: Concept Mapping and the Critical Decision method (CDM). Concept Mapping is a procedure that can be used to represent the interviewee's conception of a task by developing a graphical schematic of these perception of the task's components. It is appropriate when one needs to capture the interviewee's cognitive organization of the task's routine elements and how these elements fit together. CDM is highly effective at eliciting tacit knowledge about perceptions, expertise, and aspects of a domain that are often difficult for experts to articulate. It has proven to be an effective tool for capturing the deeper, difficult-to-articulate knowledge that separates experts from novices. Used together, these techniques can be very complementary and effective. Concept Mapping provides an overview of the user's image of the task including information about the clustering of and flow between concepts. CDM is an effective tool for identifying decision strategies, critical cues, situation assessment, goals and intent, expectancies, mental simulation strategies, and improvisation. Used in combination, the techniques can effectively generate recommendations for training and display design.
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