Human Factors Psychology Commons^™

The Impact Of System Transparency On Perceived System Reliability, Perceived System Usability, And Information Clarity In Self-Driving Car Systems, Uditkumar Nair

Theses and Dissertations

In human-computer interaction (HCI), the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has created new difficulties, especially in building user confidence as well as understanding of system functioning. The effect of system transparency on user- centered outcomes, such as perceived usability, perceived system reliability, and information clarity, is examined in this thesis. In order to evaluate their experiences in both ordinary and high-stakes driving situations, participants engaged with both system- transparent user interfaces (TUIs) and non-transparent user interfaces (NTUIs) across a number of experimental scenarios. In order to assess how well each interface conveyed system logic and actions, the study included …

Effects Of Reflective Journaling And Nudges On Academic Motivation And Engagement, Lakshmi Satya Sai Veda Mahita Uppuluri

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the effects of reflective journaling and motivational nudges on academic motivation and engagement among college students. Grounded in Self- Determination Theory (SDT), the research examines how different interventions influence intrinsic motivation, and academic behaviors such as class attendance, participation, and preparation. The study employed a between-group experimental design with three conditions: a control group, a journaling group, and a journaling group that also received daily motivational nudges. Results showed that students in the journaling groups—particularly those who received nudges—experienced a significant increase in academic motivation. While changes in academic engagement were not significant, the effect size suggested …

Novel Human Factors Challenges, Unexpected Events, And Safety Hazards Associated With Operation Of Battery-Powered Evtol Aircraft, Kendall Carmody, Bhoomin Chauhan, Maureen Namukasa, Yarisse Adorno, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

As the AAM industry approaches its respective takeoff, novel dimensions of aircraft design, including propulsion systems and pilot interfaces, have emerged. These new and often complex dimensions result in operations differing from traditional aviation contexts, with the potential to influence pilot behavior and decision-making (Mendolia et al., 2022). There are also novel safety-critical events that pilots must be prepared to cope with on battery-powered aircraft. To examine these issues, we conducted an interview study with 11 pilots and engineers who have either flown, worked on, or conducted research pertaining to electrically powered aircraft. During the interview process, the participants were …

Understanding Human-Agent Teaming: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Perceptions And Interactions, Valerie Robbins-Roth, Kendall Carmody, Bella Deloach, Meredith Carroll, Amanda Thayer, Jessica Wildman

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

While quantitative research on trust in HATs is well-established, there is a significant gap in understanding individuals’ subjective experiences during trust violations and repair. This study explores how people perceive and respond to these events, guided by three key questions: (1) How do participants describe emotional and behavioral responses to trust violations and repair? (2) How do personality traits influence reactions? (3) What qualitative themes emerge in the dissolution of trust? Using a mixed-methods approach, participants engaged in a 1-hour simulated search-and-rescue mission with four autonomous agents. During the task, one agent committed two trust violations, followed by repair attempts …

Study On Pilot Response Time To Reject Takeoff With One Engine Inoperative (Oei), Lydia Savitri Scrivens

Theses and Dissertations

The FAA regulation 14 CFR § 25.109 defines accelerate-stop testing for transport-category multiengine aircraft. It specifies that testing must include 2-second distance equivalent at engine failure speed VEF to simulate time taken for pilot to reject takeoff. However, pilot response time is widely debated. The purpose of this study is to determine pilot response time in rejecting a takeoff due to the failure of one engine during the takeoff roll.

Seven multiengine rated pilots participated in this study, which was conducted in a Baron 58 in the X-Plane 12 flight simulator. During the recruiting process, test subject candidates provided their …

Trust In Human-Agent Teams: A Multilevel Perspective And Future Research Agenda, Jessica L. Wildman, Daneil Nguyen, Amanda L. Thayer, Valerie T. Robbins-Roth, Meredith Carroll, Kendall Carmody, Cherrise Ficke, Mohammed Akib, Arianna Addis

Psychology Faculty Publications

As technology continues to advance, interest in how humans perceive and interact with autonomous agents has increased, spurring ample research within human-agent teams (HATs). However, the word team is a bit of a misnomer, in that much of this research has examined one human in relation to one agent. We extend the HAT literature by applying a multilevel lens to develop future research questions regarding trust in heterogeneous HATs. First, we assert that trust is an attitude that is multireferent, suggesting research should explore not just humans’ trust in agents, but many other perspectives such as agents’ trust in humans. …

Charter For Smarter Hats: How Team Charters Dynamically Improve Trust And Emotions In Human-Agent Teams, Dan Manh Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations

Although human-agent teams have received significant attention from both practitioners and researchers in recent years, human attitudes and emotions towards agents present collaborative barriers that reduce effective teaming. Borrowing from literature on traditional human team interventions, this study examines how team charters may be leveraged to set up better trust relationships and emotional states over time, and how these key emergent states influence both objective performance scores and subjective performance ratings. Using data from 43 individuals who participated in a search-and-rescue simulation with four agent teammates, discontinuous growth modeling was used to examine differences in trust and upsetness over time …

Understanding How To Diversify The Cybersecurity Workforce: A Qualitative Analysis, Maria Chaparro Osman, Maureen Namukasa, Cherrise Ficke, Isabella Piasecki, Tj Oconnor, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

A robust cybersecurity workforce is critical for protection against a range of malicious attacks. However, it has been noted that there are many vacancies and a shortage of individuals entering the cybersecurity workforce. The workforce shortage has been partially attributed to the lack of diversity in the cybersecurity domain, with women, African Americans, and Hispanics remaining underrepresented in educational and professional settings. Using a qualitative approach, this work sought to investigate what led underrepresented minorities currently involved in cybersecurity to the industry, with the goal of determining methods to attract underrepresented minorities and diversify the workforce. A thematic analysis was …

Empirical Evaluation Of A Novel Spatial Disorientation Induction Strategy, Michaela Cathlin Satter

Theses and Dissertations

It is estimated that spatial disorientation-related accidents account for roughly 33% of all aviation mishaps with a 90% fatality rate (Gibb et al., 2011). Research meant to establish common practices and standardization of spatial disorientation (SD) training is needed to work toward decreasing this staggering statistic. The current study investigated the viability of a novel SD Induction Strategy that combined rotation about the vertical axis, visual cue input from a wireless virtual reality (VR) head mounted display (HMD) flight environment, and tactile input from a wireless joystick controller. To assess this combination’s effectiveness, Bank situation awareness (SA) and Pitch SA, …

The Examination Of Factors That Influence Trust In A Multi-Agent Team Context, Cherrise Ficke

Theses and Dissertations

Current dyadic teams in the human-agent teams literature demonstrates that Propensity to Trust in Technology (PTT), previous experience with an agent, levels of autonomy (LOA), workload, and mission performance affect trust and mission performance to some capacity. However, the purpose of this study was to expand this line of research by examining how these factors influence trust and mission performance in a multi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) context. To investigate the relationship between these factors and trust, an archival study was conducted using data from a previously-conducted, multi-UAV study. The previous study utilized a within-subjects repeated measures design in which …

Measuring Trust In A Simulated Human Agent Team Task, Cherrise Ficke, Arianna Addis, Daniel Nguyen, Kendall Carmody, Amanda Thayer, Jessica Wildman, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Due to improvements in agent capabilities through technological advancements, the prevalence of human-agent teams (HATs) are expanding into more dynamic and complex environments. Prior research suggests that human trust in agents plays a pivotal role in the team’s success and mission effectiveness (Yu et al., 2019; Kohn et al., 2020). Therefore, understanding and being able to accurately measure trust in HATs is critical. The literature presents numerous approaches to capture and measure trust in HATs, including behavioral indicators, self-report survey items, and physiological measures to capture and quantify trust. However, deciding when and which measures to use can be an …

Human Factors Training Implications For Urban Air Mobility Operations, Kendall Carmody, Bhoomin Chauhan, Maureen Namukasa, Vivek Sharma, Gervaughn Berkel, Yarisse Adorno, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Advanced air mobility (AAM), of which urban air mobility (UAM) is a subset, signifies an exciting and advanced mode of air transportation that combines novel aircraft configurations with progressive levels of automation to offer convenient and efficient modes of air transportation (Mitchell et al., 2021). The design of these innovative aircraft will utilize advanced autonomous systems and are proposed to minimize pilot training requirements and scale operations (Mathur et al., 2019; Thipphavong, 2018). Further, the operational context of UAM will be characterized by low-altitude flights, single pilot operations, unique weather phenomena such as mechanical turbulence, and novel propulsion systems. Early …

Key Constructs, Measures, And Considerations For Human Factors Researchers In The Advanced Air Mobility Domain, Maureen Namukasa, Meredith Carroll, Bhoomin B. Chauhan, Vivek Sharma, Kendall Carmody, Donna Wilt

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

The emergence of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) has seen the design of new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that will be utilized to serve the AAM market and associated use cases. Before operations commence, aircraft manufacturers must obtain a government-issued type certificate proving that the new aircraft meets prescribed safety levels. Human factors is an important aspect of AAM certification as the proposed designs have significant changes to how pilots will interact with the aircraft. Published certification standards create an opportunity for human factors researchers to generate meaningful ties between the research being conducted in their laboratories and …

Teammates Instead Of Tools: The Impacts Of Level Of Autonomy On Mission Performance And Human–Agent Teaming Dynamics In Multi-Agent Distributed Teams, Summer Rebensky, Kendall Carmody, Cherrise Ficke, Meredith Carroll, Winston Bennett

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Human–agent teaming (HAT) is becoming more commonplace across industry, military, and consumer settings. Agents are becoming more advanced, more integrated, and more responsible for tasks previously assigned to humans. In addition, the dyadic human–agent teaming nature is evolving from a one–one pair to one–many, in which the human is working with numerous agents to accomplish a task. As capabilities become more advanced and humanlike, the best method for humans and agents to effectively coordinate is still unknown. Therefore, current research must start diverting focus from how many agents can a human manage to how can agents and humans work together …

Influencing Iot Device User Privacy Behaviors: An Empirical Study, Maria Chaparro Osman, Tricia Prior, Summer Rebensky, Andrew Nakushian, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

The prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is increasing in both volume and variety (Fagan, Megas, Scarfone, & Smith, 2019). Therefore, ensuring users take appropriate measures to protect their privacy is important to guarantee their safety expectations are met. Unfortunately, device users are generally unaware of how devices work and therefore how to properly set up their device’s privacy features (Olmstead & Smith, 2017). The present study evaluated two interventions designed to address these needs. First, in an attempt to increase access and understanding of the terms and conditions by users, a Terms and Conditions Guru was designed that …

Me And My Ve 2022: Human Factors Applications Using Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, And Virtual Environments, Randall Spain, Shannon K. T. Bailey, Benjamin Goldberg, Robert Sall, Kendall Carmody, Cherrise Ficke, Allison Bayro, Heejin Jeong, Jihoon Kim, W. Hong Yeo, Rosemarie Figueroa-Jacinto, Zachary Pugh, Chris Mayhorn, Aaron Gluck, Sarah Beadle, Amanda Bond

Aeronautics Student Publications

This abstract is a companion piece to the ninth iteration of the “Me and My VE'' interactive session. The purpose of this alternative format session is to allow human factors researchers to demonstrate how they use virtual reality, mixed reality, and virtual environments to support end-user research. The session begins with each presenter providing a brief introduction of their virtual reality, mixed reality, or virtual environment application. After this introduction, attendees engage with the presenters and their virtual environments in an interactive demonstration period. This year’s demonstrations include applications ranging from designing virtual environments for accessibility to using virtual and …

Editorial: Assuring Trustworthiness Of Autonomous Systems As Intelligent And Ethical Teammates, Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Editorial on the Research Topic Assuring trustworthiness of autonomous systems as intelligent and ethical teammates

Factors Influencing Pilot Trust In Electronic Flight Bag Information, Warren Pittorie, Summer Rebensky, Leonia Hunt, Andrew Narkushian, Maria Chaparro, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) are widely used by pilots in the commercial aviation industry. EFBs serve as replacements for some traditional sources of information, such as paper charts, manuals, and checklists, augmentation for flight-related information previously unavailable through older cockpit systems such as temporary flight restriction locations, and supplemental information such as a secondary display of traffic). By having access to this information, pilots are able to make more effective decisions in various situations. Related literature has shown that decision makers in situations of uncertainty are influenced by a range of factors such as experience, the level of risk in …

Human Factors Considerations For Urban Air Mobility, Bhoomin B. Chauhan, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Before urban air mobility (UAM) flights are safely integrated into the current airspace system, it is necessary to identify and address human factors issues associated with UAM. Various industry and academic institutions are currently exploring a range of different aspects of UAM, such as vehicle concepts, airspace integration, and ground infrastructure, all of which have human factors implications. These human factors issues, which will heavily influence how UAM operations will evolve with growth in demand and autonomous technology, are in need of research. Potential human factors issues include UAM pilot’s trust in automation, situational awareness, visual scanning, decision-making capabilities, as …

Recommended Training Practices To Prepare Pilots To Cope With Information Conflicts, Meredith Carroll, Paige Sanchez, Donna Wilt

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

As the next generation of flight deck information systems are being utilized on the flight deck, pilots now have greater amounts of information at their fingertips. Information that was typically available only from certified information sources in aircraft panels, is now being provided by a range of sources, both within the panel and on Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs). Although redundant sources of information provide pilots a means by which to crosscheck and hone in on ground truth, they also introduce the potential for pilots encountering conflicting information. As conflicting information can have negative effects on decision making, there is a …

Pilot Selection Research Gaps: What We Do And Don't Know About "The Right Stuff", Thomas C. Scott, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Ever since the commencement of high-powered flight, pilot selection has been a crucial process within military, general, and commercial aviation. Through effective pilot selection, individuals with the necessary aptitudes, or "the right stuff" to get through a training program and successfully perform the job, can be chosen. There is a range of different aptitudes that have been shown through research to correlate with effective pilot performance. However, there is currently not a comprehensive understanding of the aptitudes, including both cognitive abilities and psychological attributes, necessary not only for effective pilot performance but also for a successful career as an aviator. …

Examining Pilot Response To Cybersecurity Events On The Flight Deck, Meredith Carroll, Summer Rebensky, Paige Sanchez

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the aviation industry. In general, cybersecurity research has typically focused on providing technical solutions such as hardening networks and improving computer systems, with little focus on the human operator. Human operators, such as pilots, are often the last line of defense; however, it is currently unclear whether pilots can recognize cybersecurity vulnerabilities, detect when a system is being compromised, and respond appropriately to a cybersecurity event. A review of literature revealed three key stages in cybersecurity response decision process (susceptibility, detection, and response) that are influenced by eight separate factors (perceived susceptibility, perceived safeguard …

Automatic Detection Of Learner Engagement Using Machine Learning And Wearable Sensors, Meredith Carroll, Mitchell Ruble, Mark Dranias, Summer Rebensky, Maria Chaparro, Joanna Chiang, Brent Winslow

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Training can now be delivered on a large scale through mobile and web-based platforms in which the learner is often distanced from the instructor and their peers. In order to optimize learner engagement and maximize learning in these contexts, instructional content and strategies must be engaging. Key to the de-velopment and study of such content and strategies, and adaptation of instruc-tional techniques when learners become disengaged, is the ability to objec-tively assess engagement in real-time. Previous self-reported metrics, or expen-sive EEG-based engagement measures are not appropriate for large-scale plat-forms due to their complexity and cost. Here we describe the development …

Identification Of Resilient Individuals And Those At Risk For Performance Deficits Under Stress., Brent D. Winslow, Meredith B. Carroll, Jonathan W. Martin, Glenn Surpris, George L. Chadderdon

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

Human task performance is affected by exposure to physiological and psychological stress. The ability to measure the physiological response to stressors and correlate that to task performance could be used to identify resilient individuals or those at risk for stress-related performance decrements. Accomplishing this prior to performance under severe stress or the development of clinical stress disorders could facilitate focused preparation such as tailoring training to individual needs. Here we measure the effects of stress on physiological response and performance through behavior, physiological sensors, and subjective ratings, and identify which individuals are at risk for stress-related performance decrements. Participants performed …