ABSTRACT
Contributions to the task analysis literature have often described techniques rather than discuss fundamental issues. This has encouraged a ‘tool-kit’ approach where different methods are offered for use at the discretion of the analyst. A problem with this approach is that it relies on the analyst prejudging the nature of the task to be examined or the nature of the solution. This can lead to bias, error of judgement and unfocused work, unsuited to an applied setting. Identifying appropriate analytical methods should be part of task analysis and not a precursor to it. Thus Duncan (1972) argues that task analysis should be neutral with respect to solution. Viewing HTA as a distinct technique has tended to place it in the tool-kit along with other
methods that appear to do specific things, such as link analysis or time-line analysis or, indeed, methods of cognitive task analysis. Selecting task analysis methods should be governed by a principled examination of task demands and constraints identified through the course of the task analysis project. It will be argued that HTA provides such a framework of principles.
