ABSTRACT
Activity theory studies human performance in the context in which it occurs. Activity consists of the goal-directed actions that are utilized to accomplish the activity goal. The general theory of activity developed by Rubinshtein (1973) and Leont’ev (1977) is not sufficiently adapted to the study of human work. In this chapter we will discuss some aspects of studying pilot’s activity from a systemic point of view. Activity in our work is considered as a functional, self-regulative system which consists of different dynamic components (Bedny and Karwowski 2004; Konopkin 1980; Ponomarenko and Zavalova 1994; Zarakovsky 2004). In this chapter we demonstrate the application of functional analysis of activity. The major purpose of this approach is analysis, description, and development of the more efficient strategies of activity during task performance. Activity is considered as a goaldirected system. The nature of the goal that is formulated or accepted by the operator influences and often determines all other aspects of the operator’s performance. Goal as a cognitive component is different from motives. Motives are an energetic component of activity. Motive-goal is a vector which combines all the cognitive processes and functions of the activity into a holistic dynamic system. Any activity during task performance begins by developing an image-goal. Activity as a goal-oriented system contains components which can reflect not only the present, but also the future state of situation and create a “model of desired future” (Bernshtein 1966). During task performance, image-goal can be changed based on feedback. Therefore, activity is a dynamic system that consists of divers cognitive and behavior units.
