Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) is a method used to understand the mental processes and knowledge structures that underlie the performance of complex tasks. It involves breaking down tasks into their cognitive components to improve training, system design, and performance assessment in various domains such as aviation, healthcare, and military operations.
Cognitive processes are the mental activities involved in acquiring, processing, storing, and using information, which include functions such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. Understanding these processes is crucial for fields like psychology, education, and artificial intelligence, as they underpin how individuals learn, make decisions, and interact with the world.
Cognitive Engineering is an interdisciplinary field focused on the design of systems and technologies that align with human cognitive capabilities and limitations. It aims to improve human-system interaction by applying principles from cognitive psychology, human factors, and ergonomics to optimize performance and safety.