BEHAVIOR ( Operative)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 260 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences |
The behavior of a decision maker or operator when trying to manage a system or correct some disturbance in a function of the same.
The following types of operative behavior have been identified:
- skill-based behavior: it is similar to an automatic behavior, practically without mental activity . The operator only reproduces behavioral models acquired by intensive training . Any alarm functions as a trigger for a kind of conditioned reflex
- rule based behavior: this behavior supposes a conscious mental activity and is characterized by the sequential performance of coordinated tasks , according to learned or written well assimilated rules
- knowledge-based behavior: the operator , in a more complex and not very common situation , must understand the problem, plan adequateresponses and execute the corresponding decisions . This behavior generally includes reasoned choices made in due time on the base of a proper understanding of systemic complexity . A high level of personal responsability can be achieved in this way.
A frequent and very dangerous error is to give responsabilities of this last level to people trained only for rule -or skill- based behavior .
Human behavior in operative situations and in relation to mental activity seems to respond to the three following basic types:
- Skill-based behavior: a practically automated behavior generally produced by a long training . Such behavior allows a very quick and efficient operative response , but then only in situations similar to those met during the training process . The skill acquired by a pianist for example is rigorously related to the universal standard board of pianos
- rule-based behavior: a less automated behavior, in which a measure of mental activity is needed in order to select the correct behavior in different specific cases. Such behavior is not over-complex when the number of possible different cases is limited and corresponds to more or less similar or well known situations
- Knowledge-based behavior: an intelligent mental behavior needed to tackle quite complex and/or unusual situations wherein automated skills or rule application are wanting. In such cases an operator must be able to discover adequate procedures in decision making or in design processes .
See also
Christmas tree effect, Complexity, Decision tree