Rouse & Rouse 1983 - Human Error Classification Scheme

Rouse, W.B., & Rouse, S.H. (1983) "Analysis and classification of human error". IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, SMC-13 , 539-549

This is a causal model, based on typical operator tasks. Note the relationship with Norman's human action cycle.

Human error due to:

1. Observation of system state [Perceive Result of Action]
a. excessive
b. misinterpreted
c. incorrect
d. incomplete
e. inappropriate
f. lack


2. Choice of hypothesis [Interpret Result]
a. inconsistent with observations
b. consistent but very unlikely
c. consistent but very costly
d. functionally irrelevant


3. Testing of Hypothesis [Evaluate Outcome]
a. incomplete
b. false acceptance of wrong hypothesis
c. false rejection of correct hypothesis
d. lack


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4. Choice of goal [Forming Goal]
a. incomplete
b. incorrect
c. unnecessary
d. lack


5. Choice of procedure [Forming Intention] / [Specify Action]
a. incomplete
b. incorrect
c. unnecessary
d. lack


6. Execution of procedure [Execute Action]
a. step omitted
b. step repeated
c. step added
d. steps out of sequence
e. inappropriate timing
f. incorrect discrete position
g. incorrect continuous range
h. incomplete
i. unrelated inappropriate action