ABSTRACT
This chapter examines one of the more popular approaches to human error analysis – the cognitive perspective. It focuses on selected frameworks that characterize each approach as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The chapter reviews the question of whether any of the existing frameworks provide a suitable foundation for conducting a comprehensive analysis of human error associated with aviation accidents and incidents. In theory, a better understanding of the types of cognitive failures that produce errors would in turn, allow for the identification and development of effective intervention and mitigation strategies. In particular, System approaches such as E. Edwards' SHEL model are very easy to comprehend, are relatively complete from an engineering point of view, and are generally well known across disciplines. Like the SHEL model, R. Firenze's model predicts that system failures occur when there is a mismatch between the human, machine, and/or environmental components.
