CPE Human Factors & Behavioral Science 2

Question 1

According to Signal Detection Theory, what does a 'miss' represent in a monitoring task?

Accepted Answer

Failing to detect a signal that was present

Answer

A miss occurs when a signal is present but the observer fails to detect it, which can be critical in safety-monitoring tasks.

Question 2

In the context of human error, which category does 'using a wrong but familiar procedure' best fit under Reason's Generic Error Modeling System (GEMS)?

Accepted Answer

Mistake

Answer

A mistake involves applying an incorrect rule or plan even when the action is executed as intended, often due to strong habit strength.

Question 3

Which concept describes the phenomenon where operators in highly automated systems lose the ability to manually take over when automation fails?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-the-loop syndrome

Answer

Out-of-the-loop syndrome refers to the reduced situational awareness and manual proficiency that results from passive monitoring of automated systems.

Question 4

Fitts' Law predicts that movement time to a target increases as:

Accepted Answer

Target size decreases and distance increases

Answer

Fitts' Law states MT = a + b × log₂(2D/W), so smaller targets and greater distances both increase movement time.

Question 5

In organizational behavior, which theory proposes that workers are motivated primarily by factors such as achievement, recognition, and responsibility rather than pay alone?

Accepted Answer

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory

Answer

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory distinguishes motivators (intrinsic factors like achievement) from hygiene factors (extrinsic factors like pay) that prevent dissatisfaction.

(CPE) Certified Professional Ergonomist Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Professional Ergonomist Practice Test

CPE Human Factors & Behavioral Science 2