Variation of Operator's Strategies and Regulating Effects on Workload

Abstract

In a real work situation the operative strategy choosen by subjects depends on three variables, the characteristics of the operator (training, motivation, age, health, etc.); the characteristics of the task, i.e. the level of task requirements; and the level of workload, which itself results from the operative strategy. Ergonomista try often to measure the workload, but do not pay enough attention to the regulating effects exerted by the workload, through feed-back, on the strategy used by operators. This paper summarizes an experimental study carried out in a ATCC, showing how air traffic controllers modify their operative methods when workload increases.