Differences between experts and novices in the monitoring of automated systems

In the future of aviation, operators will have to work with highly automated systems. This necessitates operators monitoring appropriately (OMA). Psychophysiological studies support the idea that eye movements offer an appropriate means for measuring the acquisition of visual information. A normative model for adequate monitoring behaviour was developed and eye movement parameters were defined to identify OMA. The normative model was validated by eye tracking studies with airline pilots and air traffic controllers. The present eye-tracking study focused on differences in monitoring behaviour between experts and novices. Results from 21 experts (experienced pilots and air traffic controllers) and 33 novices (applicants for jobs in aviation) are reported. Significant differences in monitoring behaviour between experts and novices were found. Experts allocate their attention more efficiently. Learning from experts’ monitoring of automated processes will be helpful in learning how to select successful trainees and provide them with appropriate training.