Author: Hoffman, Robert R.

Source: Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Volume 50, Number 3, June 2008 , pp. 481-488(8)

Abstract:

Objective: The objective of this article is to lay out contributions of human factors to knowledge elicitation (KE) methodology. Background: The background is historical, dating to about 1985, and involves the convergence of expert systems with applied psychology and cognitive psychology. Method: The method is a literature review, focusing on past issues of Human Factors. Results: Human factors researchers have contributed significantly to KE methodology. However, KE methodology "belongs to" a number of communities of practice and has applications that transcend individual disciplines. Conclusion: Knowledge elicitation, thought of as a kind of cognitive task analysis, grows in importance with the increasing use of information technology to form complex sociotechnical work systems and the increasing importance of expertise to knowledge-based organizations. Application: I discuss some open issues for further research and methodological investigation.

Keywords: KNOWLEDGE ELICITATION; METHODOLOGY; EXPERTISE STUDIES; COGNITIVE TASK ANALYSIS; KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION; EXPERT SYSTEMS; DIFFERENTIAL ACCESS HYPOTHESIS; ECOLOGICAL VALIDITY; CRITICAL DECISION METHOD; CONCEPT MAPPING; TACIT KNOWLEDGE; KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1518/001872008X288475