ABSTRACT
A partial theory and associated engineering model of human performance for a select group of lower order cognitive tasks is presented. The theory builds on an accepted taxonomy of task types based on Miller (1984) and the partial collection of tasks used here are called, ‘information-seeking tasks’. Also, some properties needed for a prediction model are described. The theory and model presented are consistent with much of the literature. A series of empirical results are analysed. Applications include extensions to: task and task-timeline analysis, synthetic time predicting systems, and modelling human behaviour for computer and operator-in-the-loop simulations, human reliability analysis, learning curve analysis, and concurrent engineering. Implications of this theory and model to these applications of industrial engineering practice are discussed.
