Studying expert behaviour in sociotechnical systems: hierarchical task analysis

Paul M. Salmon, Neville A. Stanton, Guy H. Walker, Gemma J. M. Read

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Hierarchical task analysis (HTA), arguably the most popular task analysis method of all time, provides a useful approach for describing expert behavior and the factors influencing it. Its utility is enhanced by the fact that there are various ergonomics analysis methods that build on HTA outputs to provide in-depth analyses of behavior. This chapter provides an overview of HTA and its origins, followed by practical guidance on how to apply the method. Two rail level crossing case study applications are presented. These are used to showcase how HTA can be used to describe and analyze both behavior at the sharp end (i.e., at the rail level crossing itself) as well as the behavior of overall sociotechnical systems (i.e., the behavior of the overall rail level crossing “system”). In closing, the main strengths and weakness of HTA are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Expertise
EditorsP. Ward, J. M. Schraagen, J. Gore, E. M. Roth
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages354-376
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9780191837050
ISBN (Print)9780198795872
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Oct 2018

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