Summary

This module presented the basics of human memory and information processing. The three basic memory components were introduced: sensory, short-term/working, and long-term. The strengths and limitations of each were described as well as the three basic memory processes: encoding, maintenance, retrieval. Christopher Wickens' memory model was used to elaborate on these basic components and processes and to emphasize the importance of attention resources in task performance.

The importance of taking into account attention resources in human-to-system interface design was discussed. Specially covered was the need to focus the user's attention on information supportive of task performance while reducing distractions and attention-competing information sources. In addition, the limitations of working memory, our mental workbench, was presented with attendant recommendations for memory aids. Also included were memory encoding techniques and long-term memory storage and retrieval.

The section on decision making set forth the most prevalent theories of how humans make decisions in everyday life and how computers can aid more complex decision making. The final part of the module covered some workload assessment techniques. These techniques are used to evaluate cognitive load in task performance with the goal of designing interfaces and tasks that neither bore nor overload the human user.