Abstract
In HAMMLAB, we conduct experimental research on human potentials and limitations in an operational control room environment, focusing both on the interaction among humans and human–machine interaction. The experimental results are used for design, evaluation and safety assessment of complex production systems. The work done in HAMMLAB has traditionally been rooted in the nuclear domain through its central position in the OECD Halden Reactor Project, but in the later years other industries have also been addressed. This chapter explains the purpose of HAMMLAB and describes a general theoretical basis for experimental research. Finally, a position on future methodologies in HAMMLAB is suggested.
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Notes
- 1.
PSA is a method based on event-trees and fault-trees. It comprises high-level sequences of important accident scenarios in nuclear power plants. PSA level 1 starts with a set of defined initiating events, e.g., loss of coolant accident (LOCA), and calculates the probability of core damage. PRA is the American wording for the European PSA. HRA is the part that analyses the contribution of human actions to the failure probability, applied with specific HRA methods.
- 2.
This process was formalized and embedded in a strict falsificationist framework by Fisher’s null-hypothesis test (Howell 1997). The research hypothesis (X has an effect on Y) is inverted into a null-hypothesis (X has no effect on Y), followed by a test trying to falsify the latter.
- 3.
In null-hypothesis testing, this is a Type I error (rejecting a true null-hypothesis).
- 4.
In null-hypothesis testing, this is a Type II error (failing to reject a false null-hypothesis).
- 5.
There is not a strict border between quantitative and qualitative measures, in this context the latter term is used for measures that categorize performance in a structured way, but that are not that easily prepared for quantification before the data collection.
- 6.
One may argue though, that in strenuous accident conditions large performance variability will be observed anyhow.
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Skraaning, G., Bye, A. (2010). The Purpose of HAMMLAB and the Theoretical Basis for Experimental Research. In: Skjerve, A., Bye, A. (eds) Simulator-based Human Factors Studies Across 25 Years. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-003-8_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-003-8_3
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