The process of processing: exploring the validity of Neisser's perceptual cycle model with accounts from critical decision-making in the cockpit
The process of processing: exploring the validity of Neisser's perceptual cycle model with accounts from critical decision-making in the cockpit
The perceptual cycle model (PCM) has been widely applied in ergonomics research in domains including road, rail and aviation. The PCM assumes that information processing occurs in a cyclical manner drawing on top-down and bottom-up influences to produce perceptual exploration and actions. However, the validity of the model has not been addressed. This paper explores the construct validity of the PCM in the context of aeronautical decision-making. The critical decision method was used to interview 20 helicopter pilots about critical decision-making. The data were qualitatively analysed using an established coding scheme, and composite PCMs for incident phases were constructed. It was found that the PCM provided a mutually exclusive and exhaustive classification of the information-processing cycles for dealing with critical incidents. However, a counter-cycle was also discovered which has been attributed to skill-based behaviour, characteristic of experts. The practical applications and future research questions are discussed.
critical decision method, perceptual cycle model, schema theory, aeronautical decision-making, qualitative analysis, validity
909-923
Plant, K. L.
3638555a-f2ca-4539-962c-422686518a78
Stanton, N. A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
June 2015
Plant, K. L.
3638555a-f2ca-4539-962c-422686518a78
Stanton, N. A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
Plant, K. L. and Stanton, N. A.
(2015)
The process of processing: exploring the validity of Neisser's perceptual cycle model with accounts from critical decision-making in the cockpit.
Ergonomics, 58 (6), .
(doi:10.1080/00140139.2014.991765).
(PMID:25529547)
Abstract
The perceptual cycle model (PCM) has been widely applied in ergonomics research in domains including road, rail and aviation. The PCM assumes that information processing occurs in a cyclical manner drawing on top-down and bottom-up influences to produce perceptual exploration and actions. However, the validity of the model has not been addressed. This paper explores the construct validity of the PCM in the context of aeronautical decision-making. The critical decision method was used to interview 20 helicopter pilots about critical decision-making. The data were qualitatively analysed using an established coding scheme, and composite PCMs for incident phases were constructed. It was found that the PCM provided a mutually exclusive and exhaustive classification of the information-processing cycles for dealing with critical incidents. However, a counter-cycle was also discovered which has been attributed to skill-based behaviour, characteristic of experts. The practical applications and future research questions are discussed.
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Submitted date: 2014
Accepted/In Press date: 18 November 2014
e-pub ahead of print date: 20 December 2014
Published date: June 2015
Keywords:
critical decision method, perceptual cycle model, schema theory, aeronautical decision-making, qualitative analysis, validity
Organisations:
Transportation Group
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 372469
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/372469
ISSN: 1366-5847
PURE UUID: 81485656-33e9-47d8-b885-2ee594490207
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Date deposited: 12 Dec 2014 11:40
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:36
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