The explanatory power of Schema Theory: theoretical
foundations and future applications in Ergonomics
The explanatory power of Schema Theory: theoretical
foundations and future applications in Ergonomics
Schema Theory is intuitively appealing although it has not always received positive press; critics of the approach
argue that the concept is too ambiguous and vague and there are inherent difficulties associated with measuring
schemata. As such, the term schema can be met with scepticism and wariness. The purpose of this paper is to address the criticisms that have been levelled at Schema Theory by demonstrating how Schema Theory has been utilised in Ergonomics research, particularly in the key areas of situation awareness, naturalistic decision making and error. The future of Schema Theory is also discussed in light of its potential roles as a unifying theory in Ergonomics and in contributing to our understanding of distributed cognition. We conclude that Schema Theory has made a positive contribution to Ergonomics and with continued refinement of methods to infer and represent schemata it is likely that this trend will continue.
Practitioner Summary: This paper reviews the contribution that Schema Theory has made to Ergonomics research. The criticisms of the theory are addressed using examples from the areas of situation awareness, decision making and error.
schema theory, situation awareness, naturalistic decision making, error
1-15
Plant, Katherine L.
3638555a-f2ca-4539-962c-422686518a78
Stanton, Neville A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
2013
Plant, Katherine L.
3638555a-f2ca-4539-962c-422686518a78
Stanton, Neville A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
Plant, Katherine L. and Stanton, Neville A.
(2013)
The explanatory power of Schema Theory: theoretical
foundations and future applications in Ergonomics.
Ergonomics, 56 (1), .
(doi:10.1080/00140139.2012.736542).
(PMID:23140407)
Abstract
Schema Theory is intuitively appealing although it has not always received positive press; critics of the approach
argue that the concept is too ambiguous and vague and there are inherent difficulties associated with measuring
schemata. As such, the term schema can be met with scepticism and wariness. The purpose of this paper is to address the criticisms that have been levelled at Schema Theory by demonstrating how Schema Theory has been utilised in Ergonomics research, particularly in the key areas of situation awareness, naturalistic decision making and error. The future of Schema Theory is also discussed in light of its potential roles as a unifying theory in Ergonomics and in contributing to our understanding of distributed cognition. We conclude that Schema Theory has made a positive contribution to Ergonomics and with continued refinement of methods to infer and represent schemata it is likely that this trend will continue.
Practitioner Summary: This paper reviews the contribution that Schema Theory has made to Ergonomics research. The criticisms of the theory are addressed using examples from the areas of situation awareness, decision making and error.
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e-pub ahead of print date: 12 November 2012
Published date: 2013
Keywords:
schema theory, situation awareness, naturalistic decision making, error
Organisations:
Transportation Group
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Local EPrints ID: 358198
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/358198
ISSN: 1366-5847
PURE UUID: 7c1b28ac-0f22-44e3-ac4b-a1c91a503c46
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Date deposited: 09 Oct 2013 10:50
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:36
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