Cognitive Work Tasks

Cognitive work tasks are part of the cognitive work analysis (CWA) framework that
describes the way people interact with information to reach a goal (Mai et al., 2004). This
process assumes that to design systems, we must understand what makes humans work
harmoniously with the system. Some dimensions analyzed during CWA is shown in Figure 1
(Lintern, 2013). Bisantz & Burns (2008) explain that the role of CWA is to identify the cognitive
states and processes involved in executing a task. During this process cognitive strategies and
cognitive modes analysis play a vital role in developing a coherent work system. To gain a better
understanding of these concepts, this discussion post will discuss the differences between
cognitive strategies and cognitive modes analysis.
Cognitive Strategies vs. Cognitive Modes
Strategies Stage
Lintern (2013) demonstrates that CWA is a multi-staged process, the stage involving
cognitive strategies focuses on developing detailed descriptions of how humans transform their
cognitive state to execute an activity (Stanton & Jenkins, 2017). He elaborates further this stage
not only identifies how tasks within a system may be accomplished, but also uses aspects of the
task demand (e.g., time, memory, knowledge) to explain why one may be favored over the other
(Austin et al., 2022). An example of this can be seen in Burns et al.’s (2016) study on cardiac
care. This paper conducts a CWA on how to manage patient health in an environment with
limited resources. Burns et al. (2016) vividly explain several challenges they faced during the
strategy analysis (e.g., confirming all strategies are identified, distinguishing between strategies
that shift dynamically).
Modes Stage
On the other hand, cognitive modes are dependent on skill-based, rule-based, and
knowledge-based memory (Lintern, 2013). This cognition process is based on the conscious
control of humans over the activity, depending on how familiar they are with the task and its
environment (Borghini et al., 2015). Lintern (2013) illustrates that the goal of this stage is to
determine potential cognitive modes to help execute an activity using strategies identified in the
previous stage. An example of this can be seen in aviation when a pilot is required to resolve an
in-flight failure. The strategies stage would simply suggest all the possible ways of easing the
situation; whereas the modes stage will suggest a skill-based (e.g., with the help of previous
experience), rule-based (e.g., with the help of checklists) , or knowledge-based (e.g., with the
help of theoretical knowledge) method that will lead to a specific strategy for resolving the issue.
Conclusion
The biggest different identified after reading several scholarly journals and articles is that
the strategies stage uses a combination of modes to determine of potential methods of executing
the activity and the modes stage suggests specific modes aligned with a certain style of cognition
to execute each strategy. In the end, these stages as part of the CWA aid in considering cognition
for making judgements about situations, goals, and decision making (Swaby et al., 2022).
Furthermore, researchers can explore on how the CWA can be beneficial addition in designing
systems for other domains as well (e.g., education setor).

Figure 1
CWA
Note. From Lintern (2013).

References
Austin, E., Blakely, B., Salmon, P., Braithwaite, J., & Clay-Williams, R. (2022). The scope for adaptive
capacity in emergency departments: modelling performance constraints using control task analysis and
social organisational cooperation analysis. Ergonomics, 65(3), 467-484.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2021.1992004
Bisantz, A. M., & Burns, C. M. (Eds.). (2008). Applications of cognitive work analysis. CRC Press.

Borghini, G., Aricò, P., Di Flumeri, G., Graziani, I., Colosimo, A., Salinari, S., ... & Pozzi, S. (2015). Skill,
Rule and Knowledge-based Behaviors Detection during Realistic ATM Simulations by Means of ATCOs’
Brain Activity. Fifth SESAR Innovation Days.
https://www.sesarju.eu/sites/default/files/documents/sid/2015/SIDs_2015_paper_8.pdf

Burns, C. M., Enomoto, Y., & Momtahan, K. (2016). A cognitive work analysis of cardiac care nurses
performing teletriage. Applications of cognitive work analysis, 163-188.
https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420063059.ch7

Lintern, G. (2013). Cognitive Work Analysis. http://www.cognitivesystemsdesign.net/Tutorials/CWA

%20Tutorial.pdf

Mai, J. E., Albrechtsen, H., & Fidel, R. (2004). Cognitive work analysis: The study of work, actors, and
activities. Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 41(1), 582-583.
https://doi.org/10.1002/meet.1450410187

Stanton, N. A., & Jenkins, D. P. (2017). Cognitive Work Analysis. CRC Press.

Swaby, L., Shu, P., Hind, D., & Sutherland, K. (2022). The use of cognitive task analysis in clinical and
health services research—a systematic review. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8(1), 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-022-01002-6