GSTF International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) Vol.1 No.2, July 2012 Human errors: Role of cognitive factors and intervention efficacy Madhavi Latha Maganti., Beena Chintalapuri., and Raghu Venkataraman errors during mapping operations have been sparse and so the present study aims to understand the nature of mapping errors by focusing specifically on error identification, error prediction, and error reduction. Abstract-Errors that occur while performing mapping operations showed that the mean number of errors committed by thirty participants was 52.90 (SD = 18.55). Participants who were high on error occurrence (M = .05, SD = .016) made more number of skill-based performance errors when compared to participants who were low on error occurrence (M = .03, SD = .006), F (1, 28) = 31.66, p < .001. Participants who were grouped as field-dependent perceptual style made more number of skillbased performance errors while impulsive cognitive style participants made more number of rule-based performance errors. These factors were identified as risk factors for predicting error occurrence. Results also indicated that intervention facilitated error reduction and helped to improve performance. A. Error identification For the purpose of error identification we specifically focus on information processing paradigm. According to Reason [2], “planned actions may fail to achieve their desired outcome because the actions do not go as planned or because the plan itself was inadequate. In both cases, errors could occur within the sequence of planning, storage, and execution of action”. Information processing is referred to as the degree of conscious control exercised by the individual over his or her activities which can result in skill - rule - knowledge based behaviours [3]. Skill-based behaviour is characterized by smooth, automated and highly integrated patterns of behaviour. Rule based behaviour comes from previous experience and is characterized by composition of a sequence of subroutines and is consciously controlled by a stored rule or procedure. Knowledge based behaviour usually occurs in situations where no rules for control are available from previous experience. Skill-rule-knowledge-based behaviours result in skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors due to information processing constraints [3]. In the present study the skill-rule-knowledge (SRK) model based on information processing paradigm was used to distinguish error types caused due to skill-rule-knowledge based behaviours. The cognitive processes underlying skill-rule-knowledge levels of information processing has been outlined in the GEMS model (Generic Error modelling System) by Reason [2]. Therefore, we hypothesized that categorizing errors based on SRK classification will help to understand the causes of errors. Index Terms - Cognitive factors, Mapping errors, Risk factors, Skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors. I. INTRODUCTION Errors that occur during mapping activity can affect the accuracy and the quality of maps. Erroneous mapping may not lead to disastrous outcomes like accidents, but the effort required for error correction consumes time, increases workload, and also increases costs. According to Hollnagel [1], erroneous action fails to provide expected results which may lead to unwanted consequences. The consequences of error occurrence during mapping operations can influence the accuracy of maps resulting in compromised performance outcomes. Mapping operations are primarily computer based because they are structured within the framework of appropriate software with well specified standards and manuals that serve as guidelines for performance. These errors are an outcome of human-computer interaction which requires understanding technology as well as underlying cognitive processes. For instance, mapping activities require specific cognitive processes like perceptual grouping, selective attention, problem solving etc. Efforts directed towards understanding B. Error prediction For the purpose of error prediction, we theorized that skillrule-knowledge based behaviours are performed by human actions that are embedded in contexts and can only be described meaningfully in reference to the details of the context that accompanied and produced them [4]. Context is defined as any information that can be used to characterize the situation of a person, place, or object as well as the dynamic interactions among these entities [5]. In the present study, the context refers to dynamic interactions between the mapping operator and the mapping operations he/she performs primarily on computer to generate ‘error free maps”. Mapping operations in any given context require certain cognitive factors, which can help in error prediction. For the purpose of the present study, we assessed mapping operators’ perceptual style, cognitive style, and tolerance to Manuscript submitted for review on June 15, 2012. This work was supported by a grant from ISRO-RESPOND project awarded to the second author. A. Madhavi Latha Maganti is a DST-PURSE Post-doctoral fellow with the Center for Neural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, A.P,India(phone: 91-40-23134490; e-mail: [email protected]). B. Beena Chintalapuri is a Professor with Department of Psychology, Osmania University and Honorary Director with Indian Council for Social Science Research, South-Regional Center, Hyderabad, AP, India,(e-mail: [email protected]). C. Raghu Venkataraman is General Manager with National Remote Sensing Center, Hyderabad. DOI: 10.5176/2251-2853_1.2.31 1 23 © 2012 GSTF GSTF International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) Vol.1 No.2, July 2012 ambiguity using standardized assessments. We assumed that these factors will help to predict error occurrence. Perceptual style is referred to as individual variation in the tendency to perceive the global before the local details. The individual differences in perceptual styles range from fielddependence and field-independence [6]. An individual who is field-dependent is highly influenced by the context of the visual scene when processing features, whereas a person who is field-independent is more able to perceive an element independently from its context. Empirical studies have shown that field independent persons have spatial and visual restructuring ability and tend to see differences between the stimuli. For efficiency in mapping activity, the operators should be able to separate the features in the map by perceiving the local details in the virtual 3D environment. Therefore, perceptual style is assumed to be an important cognitive factor. Cognitive style is referred to as individual variations during information processing and problem solving behaviour. The individual differences in cognitive styles yield two categories: reflective and impulsive styles. Persons with reflective style tend to be careful and look for details in the internal analysis of a problem and are most likely to be correct in their responses. Persons with impulsive cognitive style tend to respond with the first answer which comes into their mind and do not take time to consider other possibilities and tend to omit, substitute, or skip some of the operations in any given activity. Empirical studies have shown that reflective style individuals tend to make fewer errors [7] while impulsive style individuals tend to have low motivation to master tasks and little attention in monitoring of stimuli [8]. For efficiency in mapping activity, the operators should be capable of processing information and solving problems related to mapping activity. So, cognitive style is another factor assumed to be important for mapping. Tolerance to ambiguity is referred to as individual variations in tolerating ambiguous situations. Persons with tolerance to ambiguity tend to perceive ambiguous situations as desirable and do not experience anxiety while persons who are intolerant to ambiguous situations tend to perceive ambiguous situations as sources of threat and experience anxiety and discomfort. Individuals who are high on tolerance to ambiguity view ambiguity as natural or even desirable and seek to tolerate and accommodate ambiguity while individuals with low tolerance to ambiguity fail to be flexible in transition or mediation, and tend to suffer from anxiety and discomfort [9]. Intolerance to ambiguity manifests as resorting to black and white solutions or arriving at premature closure, often at the neglect of reality [9]. For mapping activity, tolerance to ambiguity is yet another factor assumed to be important. Therefore, we hypothesized that,assessing cognitive factors, (perceptual style, cognitive style, and tolerance to ambiguity) can help to identify risk factors which may predispose a person for error occurrence and thereby facilitate error prediction. Specifically, we hypothesized that these cognitive factors can also help to identify skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors. We argue that error prediction can help in planning intervention strategies for facilitating error reduction during mapping activity. C. Error Reduction For the purpose of error reduction, intervention can be used to offer feedback on performance, to provide rationale for error occurrence caused due to limitations in cognitive processes, and also to suggest cognitive mechanisms for error reduction. Intervention is described as “behavioural strategies planned and delivered to help the individual to attain understanding and management of problem behaviour” [10]. Therefore, we hypothesized that intervention can help to improve performance of mapping operators in terms of improving the quanta of work and also facilitate in error reduction during mapping activity. More specifically, we also hypothesized that self awareness about one’s own errors can foster metacognition. In this situation, intervention may act as a precondition for insightful learning about cognitive factors which may underlie error occurrence. Facilitating metacognition involves self-regulation [11], and evaluation of one’s progress [12, 13]. These metacognitive activities help learners to master new tasks [11] and also understand mechanisms for error causation [14]. In a study by Keith and Frese [15], metacognitive activities during error management training helped in mediating self-regulatory processing and promote performance differences. In the present study, it is assumed that the process of fostering metacognitive activity, which formed an integral aspect of intervention, can help to improve performance of the participants. The emphasis of the present study is to understand the process of error identification, examine risk factors for error prediction, and intervene for error reduction. For facilitating the process of error identification, we use the SRK model for classifying mapping errors according to skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors. For facilitating error prediction, we assess cognitive factors like perceptual style, cognitive style, and tolerance to ambiguity for identifying risk factors that may increase the probability of error occurrence. For facilitating error reduction, we use intervention strategies that aim to foster metacognition for enhancing performance. Therefore, the study aims to identify mapping errors that occur during mapping, to examine the role of cognitive factors, and to measure the efficacy of intervention. The process of error identification, error prediction, and error reduction are three steps that are interlinked. II. METHODS A. Objectives 1) identify the different types of errors during mapping operations 2) assess cognitive processes related to mapping operations 3) provide intervention, based on error profile and psychological profile 4) measure the efficacy of intervention. 2 24 © 2012 GSTF GSTF International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) Vol.1 No.2, July 2012 B. Participants: The sample comprised 30 mapping operators working at National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. The participants were recruited by NRSC specifically for mapping operations. Of the 30 participants, 22 of them participated for the intervention programme. and situational factors that will conspire to create these errors[2].Therefore, categorizing errors helped to understand the information-processing constraints for error identification. For the process of error prediction, standardized tests for assessing cognitive factors were administered individually in a testing room for each of the participants on different days. These tests helped to categorize participants’ perceptual style, cognitive style and tolerance to ambiguity. Based on these categories the risk factors that can predispose a person for making errors were identified by analyzing the error profile of the participants. C. Materials The tests used for assessing cognitive factors included: Embedded figure test (EFT) by Sinha [16], for assessing field dependent and field independent perceptual style. Matching Familiar Figure test (MFFT) by Devi, [17], for assessing reflective and impulsive cognitive style, and Tolerance to ambiguity (TOA) by Budner [18], for assessing tolerance and intolerance to ambiguity. For the process of error reduction, intervention comprising group and individual feedback was used for creating awareness about errors and also for fostering metacognition. To foster this process, profiles of the participants’ scores from the psychological tests as well as their error profile was prepared and given to each of the participant. The interpretation of the test scores and the risk factors for error causation was explained separately for each of the participant. Group feedback provided scope for conveying information about error causation, error identification, and error prediction. Explaining the cognitive processes for error occurrence helped participants to exert self-regulatory “control over his or her cognitions” [11]. Thus error profile helped to create awareness about errors and psychological profile helped to consciously adopt self-regulatory measures which formed the basis for fostering metacognitive strategies. D. Procedure: For the process of error identification, the mapping activity of each mapping operator was recorded during their work hours which were distributed across 24 hours in terms of shift A, B, C1. The mapping activity was scanned carefully for identification of errors and for preparation of error profile by the quality control experts of digital mapping department at NRSC. This error profile yielded pretest measure of error occurrence. The mapping errors identified by quality control department were categorized as skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors. Mapping errors categorized as skill-based performance errors are closure of polygon, overshoot, undershoot, missing features, and duplicate tasks because they arise from either inattention or over attention to the map features or due to attention to wrong points. Mapping errors categorized as rule-based performance errors are layer code and layer check deviations because these errors arise due to inappropriate matching of environmental signs to the situational component of well-tried trouble shooting rules. Mapping errors categorized as knowledge-based performance errors are interpretation error and layerisation error because these errors arise due to selecting wrong features of the problem space, confirmation bias, overconfidence, biased reviewing of plan construction, and thematic vagabounding. The skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors are differentiated and analyzed on several dimensions like type of activity, attention, novice or expert problem solvers, and influence of situational factors. Knowledge-based performance errors are related to behaviors at the knowledge level which come into play in novel situations for which actions must be planned using conscious analytical processes and stored knowledge [3]. Knowledge-based performance errors are less predictable and at best it is possible to forecast the general cognitive E. Measuring intervention efficacy The efficacy of intervention was measured from two outcome variables. The first outcome variable is the error occurrence before and after intervention. The second outcome variable is improvement in the quanta of work. The error profile for each participant was prepared again, after the intervention, by quality control experts at NRSC. The pre-test error profile and post-test error profile of each participant helped to identify error reduction, if any. The quantum of work was also analyzed to see the difference in work output before and after intervention. To further supplement these measures, the performance of the participants was evaluated qualitatively on a three point rating scale by quality control experts at NRSC, Hyderabad. A behavioral self-contract was also given to the participants to assess if they made conscious attempt to work towards error reduction. III. RESULTS A. Error identification during mapping activity The mapping operators made a total number of 1587 errors during mapping activity across three shifts. The mean number of errors committed by the thirty participants was 52.90 (SD = 18.55). The number of errors varied across participants and so the errors were converted to proportions by dividing number of individual errors by total number of errors. The mean proportion of error was significant, M = .03, * Shift timings: 6.00 am to 2.00pm, Shift B timings: 2.00 pm to 8.00pm, Shift C timings: 8.00 pm to 6.00pm. 3 25 © 2012 GSTF GSTF International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) Vol.1 No.2, July 2012 SD = .01, t (29) = 200.71, p < .001, indicating within group differences in error occurrence. Further, error occurrence was categorized as high (N =11) and low (N = 19) based on above mean and below mean error occurrence. The between group differences in mean proportion of errors made by participants who were grouped as high on error occurrence (M= .05, SD = .011) and low on error occurrence (M= .03, SD = .005), was significant, t (28) = 6.43, p < .001. A.1. Error identification based on SRK classification To test the hypothesis that categorizing errors based on SRK classification can help to understand the causes of error, we used a one-way analysis of variance for finding between group differences in skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors of participants who were high and low on error occurrence. The one way analysis of variance showed that the mean differences were not significant on rule and knowledge based performance errors for groups who were high and low on error occurrence, p > .05, as seen from table 1. However, the mean differences on error proportion for skill-based performance errors for participants who were high on error occurrence (M = .05, SD = .016) and participants who were low on error occurrence (M = .03, SD = .006), varied significantly, F (1, 28) = 31.66, p < .001. This indicates that the participants who were high on error occurrence made more number of skill-based performance errors. Rule and knowledge based performance errors did not show any variation in both groups. field- independent (M = .03, SD = .01). This indicates that field-dependent perceptual style may be a predisposing factor for error occurrence. B.1.1: Error prediction based on perceptual style and SRK classification The one way analysis of variance showed that the mean differences were not significant on rule and knowledge based performance errors for field- independent and fielddependent participants, p > .05, as seen from table 2. The mean differences on error proportion for skill-based performance errors varied significantly because field dependent participants (M = .05, SD = .03) made more number of skill based performance errors when compared to field-independent participants (M = .03, SD = .01), F (1, 28) = 6.69, p = .02. This indicates that the field-dependent participants made more number of skill-based performance errors. Rule and knowledge based performance errors were not affected by perceptual style. Table 2: Error prediction based on perceptual styles and SRK classification SRK classification of errors Skill-based performance errors Rule-based performance errors Knowledge- based performance errors Skill-based performance errors Rule-based performance errors Knowledge- based performance errors High on error occurrence (N = 11) .05 (.02)* Low on error occurrence (N = 19) .03 (.006)* .04 (.03) .03 (.01) .03 (.03) .03 (.03) Field dependent perceptual style (N = 4) .05 (.03)* .03 (.02) .03 (.01) .03 (.03) .04 (.02) * p = .02 B.2: Error prediction based on cognitive style When assessed on Matching Familiar Figure Test, fifteen participants were grouped to have reflective style and fifteen were grouped to have impulsive style based on their scores. The between group mean differences on error proportion was not significant, t (28) = .42, p = .68, indicating that reflective style participants (M = .03, SD = .01) and impulsive style participants (M = .03, SD = .01), made equal number of errors. This indicates that both impulsive and reflective cognitive styles may be predisposing factors for error occurrence. B.2.1: Error prediction based on cognitive style and SRK classification The one way analysis of variance showed that the mean differences were not significant on skill and knowledge based performance errors for participants who have impulsive and reflective cognitive style, p > .05, as seen from table 3. It is interesting to note that the mean differences on error proportion for rule-based performance errors varied significantly because participants grouped as impulsive style (M = .04, SD = .02) made more number of rule based performance errors when compared to participants grouped as reflective cognitive style (M = .03, SD = .02), F (1, 28) = 3.94, p = .05, as seen from table 3. This indicates that participants who were grouped as impulsive style made more number of rule-based performance errors. Skill and knowledge based performance errors were not affected by cognitive style. Table 1: Error identification based on SRK classification SRK classification of errors Field independent perceptual style (N = 26) .03 (.01)* * p < .001 B. Error prediction based on Cognitive processes To test the hypothesis that assessing cognitive processes like perceptual style, cognitive style and tolerance to ambiguity can help to identify risk factors and thereby facilitate error prediction we used an independent samples t-test to find mean differences on error proportion. Further, we used a oneway analysis of variance to test the hypothesis that these cognitive processes can help to predict the occurrence of skillrule-knowledge based performance errors. B.1: Error prediction based on perceptual style When assessed on Embedded Figures Test (EFT), twentysix participants were grouped as field-independent and only four were grouped as field-dependent. The between group mean differences on error proportion was significant, t (28) = 2.01, p = .05, indicating that participants grouped as field dependent perceptual style made more errors (M = .05, SD = .020 when compared to participants who were grouped as 4 26 © 2012 GSTF GSTF International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) Vol.1 No.2, July 2012 C.1: Error reduction and quanta of work before and after intervention Quanta of work and total number of errors during mapping activity at pre-test (before intervention) and post-test (after intervention) was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranks test for 22 subjects who participated in the intervention. The quanta of work done ( M = 16.68, SD = 5.45) and total errors ( M = 19.77, SD = 8.51) during mapping activity did not yield significant differences at pre-test, Z = .99, p = .32, while it showed significant effects at post-test, Z = 2.82, p = .005, indicating that the total number of errors(M = 13.23, SD = 6.34) for a given quantum of work, (M = 18.55, SD = 2.57) decreased significantly after intervention. Further, intervention efficacy from performance evaluation by quality control experts showed that 36 % of participants were rated as above average before intervention, whereas the rating improved to 59% after intervention. Table 3: Error prediction based on cognitive style and SRK classification SRK classification of errors Skill-based performance errors Rule-based performance errors Knowledge- based performance errors Reflective cognitive style (N = 15) .03 (.02) Impulsive cognitive style (N = 15) .03 (.01) .03 (.02)* .04 (.02)* .04 (.04) .03 (.03) *p=.05 B.3: Error prediction based on tolerance to ambiguity (ToA) When assessed on tolerance to ambiguity (TOA) test, twenty–eight participants were grouped as intolerant to ambiguity and only two were grouped as tolerant to ambiguity based on their scores. The between group mean differences on error proportion was not significant, t (28) = .10, p = .33, indicating that participants who were intolerant to ambiguity (M = .03, SD = .012) and participants who were tolerant to ambiguity (M = .03, SD = .007), made equal number of errors. This indicates that participants who are tolerant to ambiguity and intolerant to ambiguity are likely to make errors. B.3.1: Error prediction based on tolerance to ambiguity and SRK classification The one way analysis of variance showed that the mean differences were not significant on skill-rule-knowledge based performance errors for participants who were tolerant and intolerant to ambiguity, p > .05, as seen from table 4. This indicates that skill, rule and knowledge based performance errors were not affected by tolerance to ambiguity. IV. DISCUSSION A. Error identification Error identification indicated that the mean number of errors during mapping activity showed significant differences. Participants who were grouped as high on error occurrence made more number of skill-based performance errors. This may be due to the nature of mapping operations being predominantly skill based as they involve cognitive processes like selective attention, perceptual vigilance and at times the need to divert from activity which has become automatic. B. Error Prediction The three variables that were used for error prediction helped to identify risk factors for error occurrence. Error prediction based on perceptual style showed that participants who were field- dependent made more number of errors when compared to field- independent individuals. Further, persons who were field-dependent also made more number of skillbased performance errors. This clearly shows that field dependent individuals may be predisposed for error occurrence. The cause of error occurrence may be due to difficulty in discriminating the visual stimuli and perceiving it distinctly within a given field. Mapping activities require attention to navigate through concepts and therefore persons whose perceptual style is field-dependent tend to have difficulty. Error prediction based on cognitive style showed that participants who were reflective and impulsive made equal number of errors. This indicates that both categories of participants may be prone for error occurrence. Further, persons who were grouped as impulsive on cognitive style made more number of rule based errors when compared to skill and knowledge based errors. This indicates that persons with impulsive style may be predisposed for making rulebased performance errors. The cause of error occurrence may be due to the tendency of persons with impulsive cognitive Table 4: Error prediction based on tolerance to ambiguity and SRK classification SRK classification of errors Intolerance to ambiguity (N = 28) Tolerance to ambiguity (N = 2) Skill-based performance errors .03 (.02) .02 (.00) Rule-based performance errors .03 (.02) .03 (.01) Knowledge- based performance errors .03 (.03) .05 (.06) C. Error reduction based on intervention efficacy To test the hypothesis that intervention can help to improve performance of mapping operators in terms of improving the quanta of work and reduction of errors during mapping activity, we used Wilcoxon signed ranks, a nonparametric test, for the 22 subjects who participated in the intervention. Error proportions were not used because when errors are proportioned to one, the pre-post error differences are equated and so they do not provide a robust measure to assess the efficacy of intervention. 5 27 © 2012 GSTF GSTF International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (JLSS) Vol.1 No.2, July 2012 style to respond hastily. Rule based performance errors arise due to misapplication of good rules. In the context of mapping, impulsive style participants may have difficulty to predict and apply appropriate rules for successful outcomes. Error prediction based on tolerance to ambiguity showed that both tolerant and intolerance to ambiguity leads to error occurrence. Further, both the categories of participants did not differ on skill, rule, or knowledge based performance errors. This clearly indicates that probability of error occurrence is equal for both categories of individuals. In the context of mapping, being tolerant or intolerant to ambiguity does not affect error occurrence as mapping operations are structured activities and require a given set of heuristics that are specified in the manuals. Error prediction showed that field dependence perceptual style and impulsive cognitive style may be considered as risk factors for error occurrence during mapping activity. In the context of mapping activity, we can see how the cognitive processes of the mapping operator can act as risk factors during mapping operations, resulting in error occurrence. REFERENCES [1] E. Hollnagel, Human Reliability Analysis: Context and Control, London: Academic Press.1993. [2] J. Reason, “Human Error”, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1991, pp. 184. [3] J. Rasmussen,“A taxonomy for describing human malfunction in industrial installation”, Journal of Occupational Accidents, 1982, vol 4, pp. 311333. [4] S. W. A. Dekker, “The disembodiment of data in the analysis of human factors accidents”, Human Factors and Aerospace Safety, 2001, vol 1, pp. 39-58. [5] A .K. Dey, “Understanding and using context”, Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 2001, vol 5, pp. 4 – 7. [6] H.A.Witkin., R. B. Dyk., H . F. Faterson,. D. R. Goodenough,., & S. Karp, Psychological differentiation: Studies of development, 1962, New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [7]T.Zelneiker., & L.Oppenheimer.(Nov 28,2006), Are cognitive styles still in style.[Online]. Available: http://www.unix.oit.umass.edu.html. [8] K. Paulsen. (Nov 28, 2006), Are cognitive styles still in style. [Online]. Available: http://www.unix.oit.umass.edu.html. [9] E. Frenkel-Brunswick, Intolerance of ambiguity as an emotional perceptual variable, Journal of personality. 1949, vol18, pp 108-143. [10] W. H. Cormier., & L. S. Cormier, “Practical counselling and helping skills”, Sage publications, New Delhi, 1991, pp. 336. [11] J. K. Ford., E. M. Smith., D. A. Weissbein., S. M. Gully., & E. Salas , Relationships of goal orientation, metacognitive activity, and practice strategies with learning outcomes and transfer, Journal of Applied Psychology, 1998,83, pp 218 –233. [12] A. L. Brown., J. D. Bransford., R. A. Ferrara., & , J. C. Campione, Learning, remembering, and understanding. In J. H. Flavell & E. M. Markman (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology, New York: Wiley, 1983, Vol. 3, pp. 7716. [13] G. Schraw., & D.Moshman., Metacognitive theories. Educational Psychology Review, 1995,7,pp 351–371. [14] B.Ivancic., & K. Hesketh, Learning from error in a driving simulation: Effects on driving skill and self-confidence. Ergonomics, 2000, 43,pp 1966 –1984. [15] N. Keit., M. Frese., Self –Regulation in error management training: Emotion control and metacognition as mediators of performance effects, Journal of Applied Psychology, 2005, 90, 4, pp 677-691. [16] D.Sinha, “Story-pictorial EFT: A culturally appropriate test for perceptual disembedding”, Indian Journal of Psychology, 1978. [17] T. Kalyani Devi, “Cognitive styles in children”, Indian Journal of Applied Psychology, 1996, vol 33, No 3, pp. 74-77. [18] S.Budner, “Intolerance of ambiguity as a personality variable”, Journal of Personality, 1962, 30, pp. 29-50. C. Error Reduction Providing intervention helped to reduce the occurrence of errors while performing mapping operations. The focus of the intervention was on self-regulatory measures to reduce errors. Reduction of errors after intervention could have resulted in bringing about metacognitive awareness leading to reduction in error occurrence. Studies related to fostering metacognitive activities as part of error management training have shown to be effective [14]. V. CONCLUSION The study showed that the process of error identification involved categorizing errors using SRK model that helped to understand the causes of errors. The process of error prediction helped to identify field- dependent perceptual style and impulsive cognitive style as risk factors that may increase the probability of error occurrence. The process of error reduction showed that metacognitive strategies that were integral to intervention helped to improve performance. Error research related to mapping operations have been sparse and therefore further research is needed to address these questions using controlled experimental designs which can help to formulate a working model for effective digital mapping. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The research study was funded by Indian Space Research Organization under the ISRO-RESPOND project given to the first author. The authors wish to thank the mapping operators working at National Remote Sensing Centre for their cooperation and participation in this study. We thank Mr.G.Subhakar, Research Associate, ISRO-RESPOND project, and Ms. Dimple Kala, M.A student, Department of Psychology, Osmania University for their assistance with data collection and data entry. . 6 28 © 2012 GSTF
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz