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MDRS-14 - Expedition One
Human Factors Research Program
Steve Dawson Reporting

Expedition One Human Factors Goals

For the purpose of uniformity the following goals are structured in a way similar to those for the Geology and Biology teams.

Level Zero: the human factors goals.

Level One: products of the human factors goals.

Level Two: investigating what data we are collecting, what actions we need to produce.

1. Develop a greater understanding of group processes at work in a Mars analogue setting.

i. Produce a visual representation and data analysis of group function in Expedition One.

a. Study & characterise identification by team members with sub-groups (eg. geologists, biologists), groups (eg. field science team; system team) and the superordinate group (the broader mission)

b. Study & characterise group goals and goal alignment between sub-groups and those of the broader mission

c. Study & characterise group goals and goal alignment between sub-groups and those of the broader mission

ii. Produce a visual representation and data analysis of the impact of group functions on ‘positive group outcomes’[1], individual performance[2] (and optionally, stress[3]) at Expedition One

a. Study & characterise the impact of group function on positive group outcome

b. Study & characterise the impact of group function on individual performance (neurocognitive functioning)

c. (Study & characterise the impact of group function on perceived individual stress)

iii. Produce a visual representation and data analysis of the differences in group function between non-simulation (phase 3) and full simulation (phase 4) experiences in a Mars analogue setting

a. Determine differences in group function between phases 3 and 4

b. Identify factors associated with differences in group function between phases 3 and 4 (e.g. strength of identification with group/ sub-group

c. Characterize possible linkages between a. and b.

2. Develop an understanding of the relative effectiveness of different neurocognitive measures for determining crew performance in a Mars analogue setting

i. Produce profiles of crew neurocognitive function using WinSCAT, an established computerized battery used by crew on the ISS

a. Collect data on working memory, divided attention & other neuropsychological functions

ii. Produce profiles of crew neurocognitive function using CogStat, a more recently developed computerized battery sensitive to subtle changes in cognitive function

a. Collect data on working memory, divided attention & other neuropsychological functions

iii. Produce a table and data analysis outlining the relative strengths and weaknesses of the instruments above as measures of crew neurocognitive performance

3. Develop an understanding of the human factors implications of operational methods for the geology, biology, engineering & other science teams

i. Produce reports regarding how team members work
togetherin the field as they perform the following investigations.

a. Different traverse strategies for efficient scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

b. Vehicle mobility options for scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

c. Data-logging options for scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

d. Spacesuit dexterity requirements for scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

e. Options for sampling and measuring instruments specific to each science goal.

f. The level of expertise that is necessary in the field for each goal.

ii. Produce reports regarding workload on science team members in the field as they perform the following investigations.

a. Different traverse strategies for efficient scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

b. Vehicle mobility options for scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

c. Data-logging options for scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

d. Spacesuit dexterity requirements for scouting / surveying specific to each science goal.

e. Options for sampling and measuring instruments specific to each science goal.

f. The level of expertise that is necessary in the field for each goal.

iii. Utilise NASA TLX software, direct observation, video records and post EVA debriefs to inform the reports above.

4. Using data collected from HF goals 1-3 above as well as other methods, where time permits, contribute to answers to the following questions (from Expedition One Science Plan)

29)    How can humans, autonomous and teleoperated robots cooperate in field operations and field science?
31)    Do different personality mixes affect general or specific activities of the crew working as a team in the field?
32)    How do different personality mixes affect the working environment and social interactions of the crew within the habitat?
33)    What effects do different command structures have on habitat life, field work, EVA planning and debriefings?
34)    What is the optimum crew size?
35)    What is the optimum skill mix, or in what instances is particular skill mixes favoured?
36)    Are age and gender relevant factors?
37)    How much and what kinds of training should be provided?
38)    What social and environmental stresses need to be supported remotely by telehealth professionals?
39)    How does the crew adapt to the personal and social situation of extreme isolation, and how do they support each other in times of stress?
40)    How do Mars mission crews and Earth-based scientists collaborate on research questions?
41)    What variations on interaction between mission support and the crew prove most effective for which aspects of the mission?
42)    What are the strengths and weaknesses of having mission control centralized or distributed?
43)    What is the optimum periodicity on non-emergency interaction between the crew and mission support?
44)    What is the best way to obtain information from the field team?
45)    How does mission support handle circumstantial problems versus operational problems?
46)    What variation in report styles is effective in what situations?

[1] In operational terms positive group outcome is defined as perceived effectiveness of relationships and accomplishment of mission goals. Specific measures will be used for each of these.

[2] In operational terms individual performance is defined as performance on neurocognitive tests

[3] In operational terms stress refers to (TBA)

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