IDENTIFIERS *Fault Diagnosis

A series of six experiments was conducted to increase understanding of human performance on diagnostic tasks, and in the process to investigate the feasibility of using context-free computer-based simulations to train troubleshooting skills. Three simulated diagnostic tasks were dtVeloped: a Simple context-free task, a complex context-free task, and, a context-specific task Jsimulation of aircraft powerplants). The six studies evaluated the effects of computer aiding on the performance of each task and on subsequent unaided performance, using different task mixes, subjects (4 to 48 engineering or technical trainees), and conditions (self pacing vs. forced pacing, feedback loops). Computer aiding reduced the number of tests required to diagnose simplc problems and enhanced subsequent performance except when subjects were nder time Training on the simple: task with computer aiding;first hibited and them enba%id perforiance on the comple