North Carolina State University

INFORMED CONSENT FORM for RESEARCH

Title of Study Measures and Models of Aviation Display Clutter

Principal Investigator David B. Kaber Faculty Sponsor N/A

We are asking you to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to assess the affect of different display features in an advanced cockpit interface on perceptions of display clutter. The research is expected to validate a multidimensional measure for describing aviation display clutter, when advanced features such as SVS (Synthetic Vision Systems) are incorporated.

INFORMATION

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete the experiment during a 4hr. period. The procedures to be followed include: (1) a demographic questionnaire; (2) familiarization with the VISTAS (Visual Imaging Simulator for Transport Aircraft Systems) Simulator at NASA Langley and completion of three practice trials; (3) ranking of the relative importance of pairs of display clutter descriptors based on the practice trials; (4) a briefing on a test flight scenario, including aircraft status, clearances from ATC, and required actions. The scenario will be to control an aircraft during approach (descending) and landing (hovering) at an airport using an advanced PFD; (5) completion of sixteen test trials. Each trial will consist of two sequential phases including approaching and hovering. During each phase, you will be asked to provide ratings of semantic pairs of clutter descriptor terms and overall perceived display clutter; (6) completion of a post-experiment ranking questionnaire on the semantic pairs of clutter descriptors; and (7) debriefing. This entire procedure will occur in one session. Rest breaks will be provided throughout the session.

RISKS

The risks associated with participation in this study are minimal. They include potential visual strain and/or fatigue from viewing the VISTAS simulator displays for an extended period, soreness of the hands from use of the simulated aircraft joystick or throttles control, and leg fatigue from pushing rudder pedals. The visual workload is expected to be less than that experienced in actual flight of a commercial aircraft because of the controlled laboratory lighting. Any fatigue or strain is expected to be less than that associated with real flight and any symptoms are reversible. In the event that you indicate fatigue or discomfort during the experiment, an additional rest period will be provided. If abnormal physiologic conditions persist, you will be excused from further participation in the experiment.

BENEFITS

There are no direct benefits of this research. You may derive some indirect benefits including an understanding of human factors research methods for aviation systems design and insight into new SVS display technologies. (If the test SVS displays are introduced into aircraft cockpits in the future, you may benefit from increased safety of operations.)

CONFIDENTIALITY

The information in our study records will be kept strictly confidential. Data on your responses will be stored securely and will be made available only to persons conducting the study. We will make a recording of your flight control actions for analyzing flight performance. All files will be destroyed after the research is complete. No reference will be made to you in oral or written reports, which could link you to the study.

COMPENSATION

For participation in this study, you will receive an honorarium of 1000.00. If you withdraw from the study prior to its completion, your compensation will be prorated to match the amount of time you participated.

CONTACT

If you have questions at any time about the study or the procedures, you may contact Dr. David Kaber, at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Box 7906, North Carolina State University, or (919) 515 3086. If you feel you have not been treated according to the descriptions in this form, or your rights as a participant in research have been violated during the course of this project, you may contact Mr. Matthew Ronning, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Research Administration, Box 7514, NCSU Campus (919/513-2148).

PARTICIPATION

Your participation in this study is voluntary; you may decline to participate without penalty. If you decide to participate, you may withdraw at any time without penalty and without loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.


CONSENT

“I have read and understand the above information. I have received a copy of this form. I agree to participate in this study with the understanding that I may withdraw at any time.”

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Investigator's signature______Date ______