Taking Cognitive Task Analysis into the Field: Bridging the Gap from Research to Application

Abstract

Cognitive methods of task analysis have been used for training development. Although quite promising, these methods are generally time consuming and labor-intensive, and require considerable expertise. This has precluded their full use in field training situations. Economical, practical and user-friendly methods are needed which can be integrated easily with current approaches. This symposium paper discusses the potential of cognitive task analysis as well as the practicality problem. Of particular concern is how cognitive methods can receive widespread application among training practitioners — how to transition theory and research in cognitive task analysis into mainstream training development programs.