Patrick A. Cabe

Human Factors Evaluation of a Computer Based Information Storage and Retrieval System

The human factors aspects of a computer-based information storage and retrieval system were evaluated in three government intelligence services using questionnaire and interview techniques. It was found that many factors entered into satisfaction with the information system, including familiarity, ease of use, and importance. Other relevant factors included training in the use of the system, amount and type of information to meet needs in the system, and tolerances of individuals for irrelevant material in the output of searches. The interaction of these factors is discussed in relation to satisfaction with the system.

Relation Between Hidden Figures Test and Rod and Frame Test Measures of Perceptual Style

or dependent (of the visual field) on the basis of the RFT. Found to be related to the RFT was an embedded figures test (EFT), in which S identified a simple geometric figure visually embedded in a complex design. The EFT was the basis for Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, and Karp’s (1962) modification of the definition of perceptual style, now simply the ability to pull an item from an embedding context. The results (Witkin et al., 1954, p. 85), however, indicate a possible paradox. Although both tests supposedly measured the

VISUAL FUNCTIONING AND EMBEDDED FIGURES TEST PERFORMANCE

A previous report (Barrett, Cabe, & Thornton, 1967) showed no significant relationship between perceptual style as measured by the Rod-and-frame Tesc (RFT) and measures of visual functioning. Witkin, Dyk, Faterson, Goodenough, and Karp (1962) postulate that perceptual style in its most general form is the ability to disembed a simple item from a more complex context, and the Embedded Figures Tesc (EFT) is, therefore, a valid measure of perceptual style as well as the RFT. Since Witkin, Lewis, Hertzman, Machover, Meissner, and Wapner ( 1954) found that the EFT and RFT correlate only between .)O and .60 (for men), the two tests may be measuring different attributes. They never, however, tested the possibility that perceptual style might contain a component of visual functioning. The present study, then, tested the relationship between EFT scores and measures of both near lateral phoria and mac~~lar stereopsis, both of which were considered elemental in efficient visual functioning. Of a sample of 44 male engineering and technical personnel, previo~isly tested for near lateral phoria and macular stereopsis by use of a Keystone Orthoscope and for perceptual style using the RFT (as reported by Barrett, er al., 1967), 37 Ss were retested approximately 6 mo. later using a form of EFT supplied by the Educational Testing Service. Remaining Ss were not available for retesting due to transfers, heavy work loads, etc. Due to the nature of the distributions, Spearman rhos were computed among the measures. Rhos of -.07 ( 9 > .05, non-corrected) were obtained between both EFT and phoria and EFT and stereopsis. Lack of significant relationship suggests that visual functioning is not a factor in performance on the EFT. Furthermore, if the EFT may be considered a measure of perceptual style, the present results support the previous finding that visual functioning is not a factor in perceptual style.

The Relation between the Rod-and-Frame Test and Witkin's Embedded Figures Test

BARRETT, Cabe, and Thornton (1968) have raised and attempted to resolve the question of the true relationship between rod and frame test (RFT) and embedded-figures-type tests of perceptual style. They suggested that a curvilinear relation obtains between the two measures and presented evidence of significant increases using curvilinear data transformations to support their hypothesis. More recently, however, Thornton and Richards (1968) have pointed out that in comparisons of two measures, one of which is a rate measure, a reciprocal transformation of the rate score in general will lead to an increased correlation coefficient. This is the situation

RELATION OF PERCEPTUAL STYLE TO MEASURES OF VISUAL FUNCTIONING

Measures of Witkins concept of perceptual style were obtained with a Rod and Frame apparatus for 44 Ss and correlated with individual measures of macular stereopsis and phoria obtained from a Keystone Orthoscope. As none of the Spearman rbos were significant, individual differences in perceptual style appear not to be a function of the measured individual visual characteristics.

Evaluation of a motion simulator not requiring cockpit motion.

A new type of system for simulating motion cues employs a seat made up of six differentially inflatable sections. This device was evaluated with a sample of eight pilots in a cockpit mock-up. Seat motion significantly increased rated realism for a series of six maneuvers. When subjects were presented with motion cues while their eyes were closed, correct identification of maneuvers averaged 85% and rated confidence in judgments averaged 76%. The seat was considered to be a relatively simple, low-cost method for simulating motion cues.