Cognitive Task Analysis—A Review - Fundamentals and Assessment Tools for Occupational Ergonomics - page 705

TABLE 36.2 CTA Techniques Subject to Methods Review
Method Author Source

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ACTA — Applied cognitive task analysis Militello and Hutton (2000)

CDM — Critical decision method Klein et al. (1989)

CIT — Critical incident technique Flanagan (1954)

Cognitive walkthrough Polson et al. (1992)

COTA — Cognitively oriented task analysis DuBois and Shalin (2000)

CTLA — Cognitive task load analysis Neerincx (2003)

CWA — Cognitive work analysis Rasmussen et al. (1994), Vicente (1999)

DRX — Decision requirements exercise Klinger and Hahn (2004)

GOMS — Goals, operators, methods and selection rules Card et al. (1983)

HTA — Hierarchical task analysis Annett et al. (1971)

HTA(T) — Team hierarchical task analysis Annett (2005)

Interviews Various

Observation Various

SGT — Sub-goal template methodology Ormerod (2000)

TCTA — Team cognitive task analysis Klein (2000)

TTA — Team task analysis Burke (2004)

VPA — Verbal protocol analysis Walker (2004)

Walkthrough / talkthrough analysis Kirwan and Ainsworth (1992)

of the appropriate methods. The output of the analysis is designed to act as a CTA techniques manual,
aiding practitioners in the use of the CTA techniques reviewed:

1. Name and acronym — The name of the technique and its associated acronym
2. Author(s), affiliations(s) and address(es) — The names, affiliations, and addresses of the authors
are provided to assist with citation and requesting any further help in using the technique
3. Availability — The availability of the technique is specified. Techniques are classed as free, off the
shelf, proprietary, or as software add-ons or plug-ins
4. Background and applications —This section introduces the method, its origins and development,
the domain of application of the method, and also application areas that it has been used in
5. Domain of application — Describes the domain that the technique was originally developed for
and applied in
6. Team individual technique — Denotes which aspects of performance the technique caters for

7. Experts required — This section attempts to clarify whether SMEs are required as either analysts
or participants
8. Procedure and advice — This section describes the procedure for applying the method as well as
general points of expert advice
9. Flowchart — A flowchart is provided, depicting the methods procedure
10. Advantages — Lists the advantages associated with using the method in the design of C4i
systems
11. Disadvantages — Lists the disadvantages associated with using the method in the design of C4i
systems
12. Example — An example, or examples, of the application of the method are provided to show the
methods output
13. Related methods — Any closely related methods are listed, including contributory and similar
methods
14. Approximate training and application times — Estimates of the training and application times are
provided to give the reader an idea of the commitment required when using the technique
15. Reliability and validity — Any evidence on the reliability or validity of the method are cited
16. Tools needed — Describes any additional tools required when using the method
17. Bibliography — A bibliography lists recommended further reading on the method and the
surrounding topic area

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