Applied and Systemic-Structural Activity Theory Advances in Studies of Human Performance

This book presents new data in Applied Activity Theory (AAT) and Systemic-Structural Activity Theory (SSAT), that can be used in the study of human performance. The SSAT is the high-level generality theory that offers standardized principles of the analyses of human activity. These principles can be utilized in theoretical and applied studies. This multi-contributed book offers a selection of works that will provide a holistic picture of the field. The new data can be utilized for the study of extremely complex human-machine and human-computer interaction systems, and for evaluation of efficiency, complexity, and reliability of such systems at the design stage. Features Shows examples of self-regulative models of various cognitive processes Illustrates a method of study of production process in the construction industry Includes topics on learning, training, and management Covers a new method of computer based automated support of decision making under risk and uncertainty Presents a new method of evaluation of probabilistic structure of tasks, and the method of assessing reliability of human performance

Section 1: Analysis of Activity as a Structurally Organized and Self-Regulative System and Methods of its Study. 1. Applied and Systemic-Structural Activity Theories. 2. Analysis of Variable Tasks with Probabilistic Structure and Reliability of Performance. 3. Modeling and Automated Support of Goal-Directed Decision Making under Risk and Uncertainty. 4. Self-Regulation Models of Perceptual Process and Memory. 5. Systemic Approach to Operators’ Performance and Railroad Safety. Section 2:. Efficiency of Performance and Quantitative Methods. 6. Factor of Significance and its Measurement. 7. Mental Workload vs Human Capacity Factor: a Way to Quantify Human Performance. 8. Study of Production Process in Building Construction Industry Using Technological Units of Analysis. 9. Heart Rate as an Indicator of Physiological Strains. Section 3: Management and Education. 10. A Systemic Approach to the Study of Psychological Factors in Management. 11. Role of Information and Communication Technology in Students’ Knowledge and Skill Development. 12. The Systemic-Structural Activity Theory Paradigm as a Method of Designing Efficient Human Performance.

Gregory Z. Bedny has taught psychology at Essex County College. Dr. Bedny earned PhD in Industrial Organizational and a Post-Doctorate Degree (ScD) in Experimental Psychology. He was also a board-certified ergonomist. He has authored and co-authored 7 original scholarly books in English published between 1997 and 2015 by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Taylor and Francis Group and CRC Press. Dr. Bedny has developed Systemic-Structural Activity which is the high-level generality theory that offers unified and standardize methods of the study of human work. He applied his theoretical studies in the field of human-computer interaction, manufacturing, merchant marines, aviation and transportation, robotic systems, work motivation, training, reducing fatigue. His latest book Work Activity Studies Within the Framework of Ergonomics, Psychology, and Economics has been published by CRC Press in 2018. Inna S. Bedny is a computer professional with Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology. She is doing research applying SSAT to Human Computer interaction. She has the authored and co-authored a number of scientific publications in the field of human-computer interaction. In 2015, she has co-authored the book Applying Systemic-Structural Activity Theory to Design of Human-Computer Interaction Systems published by CRC Press. She also has experience teaching math and physics at a high school level and training computer professionals. Dr. I. Bedny worked in the Information Technology department of UPS for the last two decades.