Dr. Gary Klein, Joseph Borders, John Schmitt, and Ron Besuijen developed a workshop addressing diagnostic errors and fixation. This included how to identify when these issues occur and tactics to prevent them. Two online workshops were completed, and a video was developed from the workshops. The workshops were well received, and the video has captured all the key principles of the workshops. Future research developing tools to help operations understand advanced control systems would be beneficial.
In this effort, we propose to conduct and record a workshop for operators (field and panel) and trainers on diagnostic errors and fixation. The workshop will detail the causal factors that lead to making diagnostic errors and will specifically focus on fixation. Importantly, we will discuss tactics and suggestions for identifying when fixation is occurring, and ultimately reducing the chance of making diagnostic errors. We will conduct the workshop remotely for a COP site and record it for future distribution to all COP members.
What are the causal factors that lead to fixation and diagnostic errors?
What tactics and operational aids can be used to reduce the chances that fixation will occur?
Fixation or falling victim to diagnostic errors is one of the cognitive barriers we described in the original Mental Model effort. This barrier is especially problematic when operators attempt to troubleshoot a novel situation. Fixation occurs when someone forms an initial assessment or hypothesis of what is going on and then either holds onto this hypothesis without testing it or in light of contrary evidence. When someone is fixating on an incorrect explanation for a problem, there should be anomalies that don’t fit this explanation. However, these anomalies often go unnoticed or one’s fixation usually drives them to explain the anomaly away.
- Conduct remote workshop for a COP site (estimated half-day workshop)
- Provide edited video of workshop to be distributed for COP members