Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making: An Overview and Future Course

Abstract

The field of cognitive engineering and decision making (CEDM) has grown rapidly in recent decades. At this writing, it is the largest technical interest group within the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Work that falls into this area of research and study is also widely practiced across Europe and in countries around the world. Along with this growth, there is a significant need for a peer-reviewed journal that focuses specifically on CEDM as a science and applied discipline. The Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making is intended to meet that need. It will cover current research, theory, and practice in ways that not only provide for the sharing of information across interested parties but also serve to move the field forward. This will advance theoretical bases; address outstanding scientific challenges; set new courses and directions; address methods, measurement, and methodological issues; and show useful applications of this work in the development of operational and training systems in many domains that are of significance to society, government, and business. In this article, we provide background on the CEDM field and its areas of research. We use this as a platform for further specifying the scope of this journal along three technical tracks. Objectives are identified for each track as it supports the overall mission of the journal. Finally, we provide information on an electronic companion to the journal that is intended to support advances in the field through dialogue and access to further resources.