Can we Train Humans to be Systematic Inspectors?

Previous research in inspection has shown that a systematic search strategy is more effective than a random search strategy in looking for defects. Moreover, past studies have shown that training can improve search strategy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a job aid could be used to train inspectors to adopt a systematic search strategy and thereby improve their search performance. The study used a computer simulated inspection task and a job aid, which included a cursor that traced a systematic search pattern over the inspection surface represented by the screen. An experiment was designed wherein sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, those who received practice and instructions on the use of a systematic search strategy and those who received training on the job aid. The results are analyzed and reported