Cognitive work analysis for training system design

Training needs analysis is critical to the orderly development of training systems and the procurement of simulators for training. The standard methods of Instructional System Development have been neglected in part because they fail to take full account of cognitive skills and because the extensive detail generated by these methods has made it onerous to manipulate the knowledge representation. A contrasting concern is that many of the newer methods of cognitive task analysis de-emphasise non-cognitive skills. Training needs analysis for complex weapons platforms must take account of all aspects of skill. A new project to develop a training system for an advanced fighter aircraft will identify discrete operational tasks at a behavioural level but will extend that effort into a complete cognitive work analysis as outlined by Rasmussen, Petjersen, and Goodstein (1994). In addition, the scope of the cognitive work analysis will be expanded to include issues unique to training and instruction.