Understanding the conditions under whichvariability in performance may arise, and the processes related to itsemergence, gives us insight into the development of techniques forimproving the quality of performance. Variability in Human Performancedetails the scientific and the practical implications of humanperformance variability by providing a broad perspective on how and whysuch variability occurs across a number of disciplinary domains. Thetext takes an approach that rests upon the idea of context, or design,specificity in performance, namely that variability in performance isclosely referenced to design factors in the environment in whichperformance is occurring.
An exploration of the link betweenvariability and related processes, the book introduces a comprehensiveframework for understanding human performance variability, presented interms of how human control of behavior is closely tied to designfactors in the performance environment. The authors introduce empiricalevidence, as well as practical examples and application areas, insupport of this framework. The book begins with coverage ofneurobiological and biomechanical basis of movement variability, thenexamines rich and extensive empirical evidence available for contextspecificity in cognitive performance and learning, as a basis forcognitive performance variability. The book then reviews the evidencefor context specificity in:

• Student learning
  
• Displaced feedback conditions
  
• Human error behavior
  
• Affective performance
  
• Social and team performance
  
  

Theauthors also explore work performance as influenced by complexsociotechnical systems and as a basis for performance variability,applying control systems concepts to an interpretation of the natureand basis of performance variability in all of these domains. Theyconclude by taking an evolutionary perspective on the origins andbehavioral significance of human performance variability. The book thenprovides strategies on how individuals, groups, and organizations cansignificantly reduce variability in human performance that often leadsto systems failures.



Series: Human Factors and Ergonomics
Hardcover: 389 pages
Publisher: CRC Press (August 12, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1466579714

ISBN-13: 978-1466579712
http://www.amazon.com/Variability-Human-Performance-Factors-Ergonomics/dp/1466579714/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407367677&sr=8-1&keywords=Variability+in+Human+Performance