ABSTRACT
Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) has been applied in aviation settings for part-task training, air traffic controller curriculum redesign, and the development of computer-based trainers for combat aircrews. Cognitive science research in the areas of memory structure, mental models in problem solving, attention allocation, skill acquisition and the nature of expertise provide the theoretical framework for CTA, while research methods from experimental psychology and knowledge engineering provide many of the data collection and analysis techniques. CTA is particularly well suited to aviation tasks due to increases in the automation of modern aircraft and air traffic control systems, as well as the increasingly complex environment in which aircrews and controllers must operate. Cognitive and performance modelling is a relatively recent development entailing construction of a process flow or computer simulation model to represent job performance. The evolution of CTA can also be seen in its application to air- and ground-crew training.
