Cognitive grouping in air traffic control

Abstract

Subjects performing visual target tracking tasks have been shown to utilize perceptual organization. This organization has been shown to have both Gestalt features and goal-oriented features. Previous studies have attempted to use memory recall techniques to examine potential cognitive groupings in air traffic control tasks, with negative results. Analysis of eye movements has shown similar patterns of organization to the underlying visual tasks. Experiments were performed to evaluate whether recall or eye-tracking techniques can be used to extract perceptual groupings. Subjects' memory of scenario information is generally poor, except where significant manipulation of targets occurred. For this reason it is suggested that recall techniques may not be able to elicit subjects' cognitive groupings. Fixation data, however, indicates clustering consistent with Gestalt factors. Goal-oriented factors did not seem to affect grouping.