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Article
Sources of Stimulus-Response Compatibility: Frames, Rules, and Response Tendencies
Ergonomics Open Journal (2009)
  • Barry H. Kantowitz, University of Michigan
  • Dan Nathan-Roberts, San Jose State University
Abstract

While a taxonomic approach to maximizing stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility is frequently applied to improve system design, it can fall short because no taxonomy is ever complete. A model-based approach may uncover additional system flaws and can help us to understand the sources of S-R compatibility. A satisfactory model is defined as one that is acceptable on two vital dimensions: It is both theoretically correct and easy for system designers to use. This article revisits a satisfactory hierarchical model of S-R compatibility proposed by Kantowitz, Triggs and Barnes [1]. The model presupposes a recursive combination of frames, rules, and response tendencies to explain how actions are derived from stimuli mapped to responses. Several recent studies of S-R compatibility were selected to exercise the model. By using frames, rules, and response tendencies the hierarchical model generated explanations that are consistent with these empirical results. Control-display compatibility is maximized when frames, rules, and response tendencies are aligned.

Keywords
  • stimulus response,
  • compatibilty
Publication Date
2009
Publisher Statement
SJSU users: use the following link to login and access the article via SJSU databases
Citation Information
Barry H. Kantowitz and Dan Nathan-Roberts. "Sources of Stimulus-Response Compatibility: Frames, Rules, and Response Tendencies" Ergonomics Open Journal Vol. 2 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dan_nathan-roberts/1/