Title: Graduate Researcher

Contact information:
Team Performance Laboratory
University of Central Florida
12424 Research Parkway, Suite 408
Orlando, FL 32826
Office: (407) 384-2092
AWEvans3@aol.com

Year started in the program: 2001

Background and Research interests:
Currently, my research interests include mental models and knowledge elicitation techniques, especially card sorting and concept mapping, as a training process and in the evaluation of training success. This research has lead me to a lot of data collection in industry with airline pilots evaluating their knowledge of automation. Currently, I am working on a project to determine the diagnosticity of concept mapping and card sorting that will enable the distinction of novices and experts (with varying levels in between) based on the output of their knowledge elicitation. As well, recently I have begun work investigating the use of automated and semi-automated (robotic) vehicles for military use. While this research effort is in it's infancy, it's impact could be felt for years to come in the form of a reduction in human military forces being sent into combat or other potentially dangerous situations. In addition to these interests, I also enjoy ergonomic studies and am interested in usability. To this end I have worked with several major corporations on usability projects that may influence future consumer products. On the side I work on various projects involving automotive safety, lighting, and performance as well as work in team performance.

Publications:

Publications:

Hoeft, R.M., Jentsch, F., Berry, D., Lau, H.C., Evans, A.W., III, Bowers, C., & Salas, E. (Accepted to the Journal of Computers and Human Behavior). TPL-KATS - Concept Map: A practical knowledge elicitation tool.

Harper, M. E., Hoeft, R. M., Evans, III, A. W., & Jentsch, F. (accepted). Scoring concept maps: Making the impractical practical. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Professional Presentations and Proceedings

Harper, M. E., Evans, III, A. W., Hoeft, R. M., Jentsch, F., & Bowers, C. (2004). Pictures speak louder than words: Differences in textual vs. pictorial organization. University of Central Florida Graduate Research Forum: Inaugural Showcase of Diverse Student Research (p. 40). Orlando, FL: University of Central Florida Graduate Student Association.

Evans, A. W., III, Hoeft, R. M., Jentsch, F., Bowers, C., & Camizzi, E. (2003). Investigating the Effects of Modality and Instruction on Structural Knowledge. Proceedings of the 47th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, Denver, CO.

Evans, A. W., III, Kochan, J. A., & Jentsch, F. G. (2003). Accurately Assessing Pilot Knowledge: Bridging the Gap Between Paper-and-Pencil and Oral Exams. Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium for Aviation Psychology, Dayton, OH

Evans, A. W., III, Hoeft, R. M., Jentsch, F., & Bowers, C. (2002). Can a picture save a thousand words? Comparisons of textual vs. pictorial organization. Proceedings of the 46th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, Baltimore, MD.

Evans, A. W., III, Jentsch, F., Hitt, J. M., II, Bowers, C., & Salas, E. (2001). Mental model assessments: Is there convergence among different methods? Proceedings of the 45th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeing, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Evans, A.W., III, Hitt, J.M., II, & Jentsch, F. (2001). Mental model reliability. Poster presented at the APA Division 21 and 19 Mid-year Meeting, March 1-2, Crystal City, VA.

Jentsch, F., Hitt II, J.M., Berry, D., Antony, M., Dougherty, B., Evans III, A.W., Bowers, C., Salas, E. (2001). Supporting Airline Training and Evaluation: RRLOE and Automation Training. Paper presented at FAA AAR-100 Air Carrier Research Review, January 2001, Phoenix, AZ.

Jentsch, F., Hitt II, J.M., Agliata, D., Milham, L., Evans, B., & Bowers, C. (2000). Theoretical limits of card-sorting as a mental models assessment tool. Paper presented at the Human Performance, Situation Awareness, and Automation: User-centered Design for the New Millenium, October 15-19, 2000, Savannah, GA.

Jentsch, F., Hitt II, J.M., Evans III, A.W., & Bowers, C. (2000). Theoretical limits of card-sorting as a mental model assessment tool. Human Performance, Situation Awareness and Automation: User-Centered Design for the New Millennium Conference Proceedings (p.26). Savannah, GA: SA Technologies.

Technical Reports and Project Memoranda

Evans, A. W., III, Kochan, J. A., & Jentsch, F. (2003). Accurately Assessing Pilot Knowledge Using Concept Mapping (Interim Technical Report). Orlando, FL: University of Central Florida.

Harper, M.E., Jentsch, F., Borjesson, W., Evans, A.W., III, Hitt, J.M., II, Bowers, C., & Salas, E. (2001). Psychometrics of elicitation techniques for structural knowledge. Unpublished Manuscript. Orlando: University of Central Florida.

Hoeft, R. M., Jentsch, F., Berry, D., Lau, H. C., Evans, A. W., III, Bowers, C., & Salas, E. (2001). TPL-KATS - Concept Map: A practical knowledge elicitation tool. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Hitt, J., & Evans, B. (2000). Review of concept mapping tools. Technical presentation for the FAA Air Carrier Automation Skills and Measures Team. Orlando: University of Central Florida.

Other involvements/activities:

Student Member of HFES
Student Member of UPA (Usability Professionals Association)
Member of the UCF Student chapter of HFES