Understanding What We Think We Know: The Role of Content Analysis in T&E

Abstract

Though we are quite clever in developed ways to measure and express system performance, including human system performance, we frequently stop short of understanding what our results mean. One reason for this is that we do not have cost effective and efficient ways to use the richness of data available in written or verbal information. Techniques of protocol and content analysis provide ways to use such data, but are usually too expensive and time consuming to use in applied settings. This paper explores the possibility of human factors specialists using commonly available personal computers and software in ways that allow practical analysis of verbal and written material as part of a T&E effort.