Human operator error and decision-making in industrial accidents

Cardsmax

Decision-making is a key part of what pilots have to do on a regular basis. It is paramount not only that pilots have the ability to make sound decisions, it is also important that they have the skills available to determine which choices are the most sound for any given situation. This essay is an attempt at explaining the process of decision making in pilots, as well as what can be done to make the process more fluid. In a hope to give clarity to the decision making process, how these skills are acquired as well as what can possibly improve one's ability to make better more sound decision making, was researched through the compilation of various writings of research concerning pilot's and the decision making process. It is important to be able to understand what facts play a key role in a pilot's ability to make sound decisions; this will offer insight into methods and trainings that may be utilized in the future to help improve decision-making practices in the future. The method of research utilized in this easy was the compilation of data and research already conducted in the field concerned with pilot's decision making, development, and why effective decision making is so important to a pilots job functions.

Decision Making Definition

Decision making (Decision Making Confidence [online]) has been defined as the cognitive process of reaching a decision; choosing between alternative course actions using cognitive processes- memory, thinking, evaluation, etc. Researchers, (Schriver, Morrow, Wickens, & Talleur) have stated that safe and efficient flights depend on the ability of pilots to make appropriate and timely decisions during flights. Errors related to pilot judgment and decision making have been found to be a contributing factor in more than a third of accidents in commercial and general aviation operations. Although the quality of pilot decision-making depends on many factors, a critical one is flying experience, which may improve pilots' ability to understand and respond to problems. It was later broken down that there is a three stage model that can help to better understand the decision making process. (Wen-Chin, & Harris) pilot judgment as 'the mental process that pilots use in making decisions'. Both definitions implicitly include both process and outcome. For military pilots operating in a hostile environment, the normal hazards of aviation are compounded by the enemy's intent for the destruction of the aircraft.

Motivational & Cognitive Basis of Decision Making

(Critically Discuss the Motivational and cognitive basis of decision making)-200words)

Millions of decisions are being made on a daily basis. We often do not realize how much goes into one single decision that is made. The research reviewed in this project all comes together to give an idea of the components that are necessary to make proper decisions, along with the characteristics of effective decision making. Cognition, plays a pertinent role in decision making, the role that it plays is multi-faceted and not as complex as it first may seem. Thinking/cognition is necessary to make a decision, whether or not it is a proper decision. A thought process takes place. The difference between a good and bad decision entails, experience i.e. previous flight experience having to determine what the right and wrong options are for a given situation. We, find that error is often the greatest tool in maturing and developing sound decision-making abilities. We, also learn that one must be, motivated to learn and must be able to make mistakes and grow from them. No one wants to fail; however, the true power comes from acknowledging that it can often take a certain amount of failure to create the best plan for success. The readings come together to show that cognition and motivation are the two most important factors needed for pilots and the like to make the best decisions. Without motivation and cognition, there is no sound way to make a decision, let alone a good one. They are both necessary regardless of the outcome of the decision.

Inbar, Cone, & Gilovich, ask the following questions in their writing. What should you do when intuition tells you one thing and rational analysis another? How should you choose, in other words, when there is a conflict between your head and your gut? Since the dawn of the Enlightenment it has generally been agreed, in scholarly circles at least, that the head should be sovereign. Logic and reason have long been seen as the surest guides to the truth and to effective action, and as safeguards against the wayward influence of emotion and unaided intuition. But recently the Enlightenment call has not been sounded as often or as loudly, and it can be hard to hear among all of the advice to heed intuition.

(Schiver et. al.,) During the first stage of decision making contains cues that are sensed and perceived, a subset is selected, based partially on knowledge and expectations. Then the selected information is evaluated and integrated to form an assessment of the situation; this is the diagnosis, which is done by the decision maker. The final stage consists of the choice, here the decision maker considers various actions and the outcomes of those actions, which includes the evaluation of the risk of the possible outcomes, and selected actions. There are four components that are believed to limit decision quality: cue perception, attention to cues, long-term memory, and working memory. Effective decision making requires all three stages to be performed.

Skill Acquisition

There are many ways that a pilot may go about acquiring the skills necessary to make effective, well planed decisions. Researchers have explained that most skill acquisition takes place in the workplace and hands on, to be most effective. Without proper skill acquisition the life of a pilot and all other passengers on a plane could stand to be in jeopardy. It is the proper acquisition of the skills necessary to make clear concise decisions that plays the most important part in the work and function of a pilot.