Journal article
Accounting for memes in sociotechnical systems: Extending the abstraction hierarchy to consider cognitive objects
Ergonomics, Vol.62(7), pp.849-863
2019
Abstract
Work Domain Analysis (WDA) is used to model the functional structure of sociotechnical systems (STS) via the Abstraction Hierarchy (AH). By identifying objects, processes, functions and measures that support system purposes, WDA reveals constraints within the system. Traditionally, the AH describes system elements at the lowest level of abstraction as physical objects. Multiple analyses of complex systems reveal that many include objects that exist only at a conceptual level. This paper argues that, by extending the AH to include cognitive objects, the analytical power of WDA is extended, and novel areas of application are enabled. Three case studies are used to demonstrate the role that cognitive objects play within STS. It is concluded that cognitive objects are a valid construct that offer a significant enhancement of WDA and enable its application to some of the world's most pressing problems. Implications for future applications of WDA and the AH are discussed.
Details
- Title
- Accounting for memes in sociotechnical systems: Extending the abstraction hierarchy to consider cognitive objects
- Authors
- Anthony W Carden (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social SciencesNatassia Goode (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social SciencesPaul M Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social Sciences
- Publication details
- Ergonomics, Vol.62(7), pp.849-863
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Ltd.
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1080/00140139.2019.1603403
- ISSN
- 0014-0139; 0014-0139
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2019. This is an electronic version of an article published in Tony Carden, Natassia Goode & Paul M. Salmon (2019) Accounting for memes in sociotechnical systems: extending the abstraction hierarchy to consider cognitive objects, Ergonomics, 62:7, 849-863, DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1603403. Ergonomics is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/openurl?genre=article&issn=0014-0139&volume=62&issue=7&spage=849
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451378202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Engineering, Industrial
- Ergonomics
- Psychology
- Psychology, Applied