This report examines the relationship between automaticity and thinking processes. Issues pertaining to the development of automaticity within the thinking process are discussed. A literature review was conducted to examine how automaticity has been developed in various tasks of all types (e.g., visual search to battlefield thinking). The results of this examination suggest that automaticity can be developed using consistent rules and extensive practice that vary depending on the type of task. The results also suggest that the more complex the task is the more difficult it will be to train to automatic performance. Principles are presented that are used to guide the development of automaticity. Using these principles, along with previous methodologies for developing automaticity, this report discusses training methods for developing automaticity in the thinking process.

Human Factors in Simulation and Training: Application and Practice covers the latest applications and practical implementations of advanced technologies in the field of simulation and training. The text focuses on descriptions and discussions of current applications and the use of the latest technological advances in simulation and training. It covers topics including space adaptation syndrome and perceptual training, simulation for battle-ready command and control, healthcare simulation and training, human factors aspects of cybersecurity training and testing, design and development of algorithms for gesture-based control of semi-autonomous vehicles, and advances in the after-action review process for defence training. The text is an ideal read for professionals and graduate students in the fields of ergonomics, human factors, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, occupational health, and safety.

This book begins with a theoretical and up-to-date overview on automatic and controlled processes. Automatic processing is effortless, fast and fairly error-free. It can be accomplished simultaneously with other cognitive processes without interference, it is not limited by attention capacity and it can be unconscious or involuntary. Controlled processing is effortful, slow and prone to errors but -- at the same time, flexible and useful to deal with new tasks. Some automatic processes are thought to be pre-programmed or innate and include the encoding of temporal or spatial relationships, frequent monitoring and the activation of word meaning. Other cognitive processes become automatic with practice. The second part deals the shift from controlled to automatic processing as the core of the access to complex thinking. When somebody starts learning, attention is allocated in order to fulfil task requirements. Performance requires controlled processing. When training proceeds, performance requires less vigilance, it becomes faster and faster and errors decrease. This is defined automatisation. Automatisation concerns both perceptual and motor skills and cognitive processes. The essence of the book is that high load in the coding of the stimuli results in reduced perception of distractor stimuli because there is insufficient capacity to process them all. The controlled processes rely on and negatively influence higher mental functions, such as working memory, which are required to maintain current priorities and to choose between them, and also rely on complex thinking because this latter ask for an efficient working memory system.

Just as successful athletes must identify strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and engage in focused practice to meet their goals, so must teachers. Learn how to combine a model of effective instruction with goal setting, focused practice, focused feedback, and observations to improve your instructional practices. Included are 280 strategies related to the 41 elements of effective teaching shown to enhance student achievement.