Temporal variability in human performance: A systematic literature review

• Published in: International journal of industrial ergonomics Vol. 64; pp. 31 - 50
• Main Authors: Muhs, Kevin S., Karwowski, Waldemar, Kern, Dave
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Adaptive systems; Cognitive ability; Cognitive response; Complex adaptive systems; Human ability; Human behavior; Human performance; Human reliability; Human response; Human response temporal factors; Human task loading; Human time assessment; Light effects; Literature reviews; Manpower; Performance time distributions; Predetermined time response; Reliability; Reviews; Risk reduction; Scientific papers; System effectiveness; Systematic review; Task analysis; Task performance; Technical information; Temporal variability; Temporal variations; Time management; Variability; Human reliability; Predetermined time response; Task performance; Human ability; Task analysis; Cognitive response; Human response temporal factors; Performance time distributions; Human response; Temporal variability; Human performance; Human time assessment; Human task loading
• ISSN: 0169-8141; 1872-8219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2017.10.002

The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review on the evolution and current status of research into temporal variation impacts on human task performance. This review details the findings from a systematic review of peer reviewed literature identified via keyword searches in ISI Web of Science, Engineering Village Compendex, IEEE Explore, PsycINFO, Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) online, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar. Proceeding articles, peer reviewed journals, cited grey literature, and government technical reports relevant to temporal variability in human performance were identified and used in this review. Both statistical and contents analysis were conducted in this paper. Results suggest that the current state of research in human temporal variability is evolving but still has shortcomings in terms of integrating all aspects of interplay between the physical and cognitive components of human response. In light of this, research supporting the sustained development and use of refined cognitive-physical models is gaining momentum and sensible efforts to use task analysis tools that provide integration of both the cognitive and physical components of human response are underway. This article identifies that although considerable advancements have been made in understanding the temporal variability of human performance, substantial research regarding the factors affecting it, their impacts, and the practical implications are still required. This study is unique in both the breadth and range of literature considered regarding the factors affecting temporal variability in human performance as well as their implications. Successful consideration of these elements in human-centered complex adaptive systems establishes mechanisms for efficient and effective manpower and risk mitigation planning. •Human temporal variability impacts human centric adaptive system design.•Human cognitive and physical interactions affect temporal response and capacity.•Unique human temporal performance frameworks inhibit effective human-system design.•Human temporal response research must include human error and corrective behavior.