This chapter is a survey of important variables affecting pilots' information processing and decision making. Cognitive factors related to aircraft pilot performance include sensory perception, memory capacity, cognitive mapping, and risk analysis. The chapter's focus is on cognitive processes that affect sensory store and pattern recognition (perception), memory use, and decision and response selection (decision making).

In human sensory store, physical energy is transformed into neural energy. This information is represented in terms of physical features, such as text on a page. Pattern recognition gives meaning to the information obtained in sensory store. For example, the flow of external visual cues from the cockpit of an aircraft is translated by the pilot into meaningful concepts of aircraft altitude and velocity. Cognitive mapping is used to access from memory the information needed to give meaning to the pattern perceived in the stimulus. This new meaning can be stored, integrated with other information, or used to make a decision. A cognitive risk analysis assessing the potential risk and utility for each of these options will ultimately control the decision-making process of the pilot.

Ability to detect and perceive is affected by signal sensitivity. Skilled pilots can select signals from environmental noise better than non-skilled pilots. Skilled pilots are also stronger at determining when a signal does not exist. Another factor, response bias, is a deliberate effort to adjust detection for known high-probability signals (e.g., increasing visual scan in areas of high traffic congestion). The ability to correctly detect signals is affected by the frequency of the signal event, memory loss, degree of planning (anticipation), spatial proximity of signal, and stress from time limitations. These considerations are used in designing human-centered aircraft systems. As an example, instruments that provide high-frequency signal transmission should be located central to the pilot's view. Object- or symbol-based displays that "chunk" together several sources of information reduce the effect of memory loss and stress during periods of having to make quick decisions.

Spatial and verbal information is held in short-term working memory. The number of items in short-term memory cannot exceed about seven elements. Therefore, systems should be designed for presentation of information in useful chunks or structures.

Pilots develop a cognitive map outlining the probability of risk and utility for alternative courses of action. Quality of the alternative selected is affected by accurate situational awareness, perceived risk and loss, pilot skill level, time constraints, preparation, and task structure.

This discussion of information processing factors provides several insights for designing human-centered systems design. Although written for aviators, the principles can be easily transferred to other domains. Designers of training programs should find this material useful. Training design is a key to improving skill, and should be based on analyses of information processing and decision making.