HN3010 Foundation of Cognitive Work Studies 7.5
credits
Grundläggande metodkurs i studier av kognitivt arbete
Course syllabus for HN3010 valid from Spring 14, edition 1.
Intended learning outcomes
The goal of this seminar series is to prepare doctoral students for dissertation research work by grounding them in the
basic literature that comprises the modern understanding of complex system failures, system safety, human expert
aiding, error, and the historical events that produced this understanding.
The student must demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of
Explain relationship between accidents and development of models and theories regarding accident causation,
safety in complex systems, and safety management systems.
Reflect on the role of human cognition in the management of complex systems in normal operations and during
disturbances
Discuss theoretical and pragmatic principles for gathering and interpreting data on human cognition in the field.
The student must demonstrate skills and ability to
identify and test possible approaches to gathering useful data on the practitioner cognitive work in real world
settings
contrast candidate methodological approaches and draw appropriate conclusions about their relevance and
applicability to his/her own studies
Theorize and ground own research results in the relevant literature
The students must demonstrate judgment and approach by
Critically analyze and judge the strengths and weaknesses of theories and methodologies presently applied to
the field
Course main content
Narratives of accidents that have promoted understanding of complex systems and failures in complex systems.
Major themes in human expert performance analysis and assessment.
Cognitive tasks, goal-means hierarchies, conflicts, uncertainty, risk
Situated cognition
Distributed cognition
Cognitive artifacts
Attentional control
Specific approaches useful in exploring human expert performance in complex systems including:
Cognitive artifacts as a way of understanding cognitive work
Verbal reports as data sources
Cognitive task analysis for the cognitive work
Course syllabus for HN3010 valid from Spring 14, edition 1.
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Clumsy automation as a forcing function for externalizations of attention and decisions
Use of cognitive probes and simulated problem situations
Disposition
Distributed material and articles.
Eligibility
Accepted for doctoral studies in relevant discipline.
Literature
Utdelat material och artiklar / Distributed material and articles
Examination
Assignment, active participation in seminars and review of research articles
Requirements for final grade
All course parts performed satisfactory.
Course syllabus for HN3010 valid from Spring 14, edition 1.
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