Putting working memory to work: Integrating cognitive science theories with cognitive engineering research

Tochukwu Nweze, lecturer in the Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and, PhD student in MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge talks about his recent paper on parentally deprived Nigerian children having enhanced working memory ability, how important is it to study cultural differences in cognitive adaption during and following periods of adversity, and how can mental health professionals translate this understanding of difference into their work.

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A History of Cognitive Engineering Research at Risø (1962–1979)

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/107118139704100148 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 210-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kim J. Vicente

Keyword(s):

Human Error ◽

National Laboratory ◽

Nuclear Research ◽

Field Studies ◽

Cognitive Engineering ◽

Operational Experience ◽

Engineering Research ◽

The Future ◽

Power Plant Control ◽

History Of

Following the theme for this year's conference, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions defining the future of cognitive engineering research by examining a part of its past. The history of one particular line of research, that of the Electronics Department at Risø National Laboratory, is reviewed. A number of important studies, conducted between 1962 and 1979, are briefly described. Among these are operational experience acquired from the introduction of a prototype digital console in a nuclear research reactor, two field studies of professional operators conducting representative tasks in representative settings (electronic trouble-shooting and conventional power plant control), and analyses of over 645 human error reports in the nuclear and aviation industries. Some of the themes characterizing the Risø research program in cognitive engineering are briefly summarized. These themes help define what cognitive engineering is, and what it might be concerned with in the future.

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GUTs or no GUTs (Grand Unified Theories): Does/Can/Should Cognitive Engineering have G.U.T.s?

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193120204600353 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 468-471

Author(s):

David D. Woods

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Science ◽

Systems Engineering ◽

Panel Discussion ◽

Cognitive Engineering ◽

Cognitive Systems ◽

Unified Theory ◽

Cognitive Architectures ◽

Cognitive Systems Engineering ◽

Potential Development ◽

Allen Newell

What are the GUTs of Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE)? G.U.T. is an abbreviation for Grand Unified Theory. As Cognitive Science matured, Allen Newell proposed a unifying model of cognition expressed as a software architecture SOAR. Similarly, John Anderson developed ACTR also claiming it represented a unified theory of cognition in the form of a computer simulation. Both of these cognitive architectures are computer programs that claim to simulate or be the basis for creating simulations of how people perform and learn cognitive tasks. Taking the development of Cognitive Science as a possible analogy for the potential development of Cognitive Systems Engineering, this panel discussion provides a platform to stimulate a vigorous exchange of ideas about the foundation of and potential futures of CSE.

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