Dr Rachael Wynne
Lecturer
School of Psychological Sciences
- Email:rachael.wynne@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 7885
Career Summary
Biography
I joined the University of Newcastle as an Associate Lecturer in the School of Psychology in January 2022. My research interests centre on the intersection of Human Factors and cognitive psychology – specifically the way experience and expectation influence our interactions with the environment, and the subsequent effect that has on our attention and memory.
Since 2012 I have worked in various academic roles. I have Research Assistant for the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) and the Australian Catholic University. The research I have worked on in this time covered a variety of areas related to memory, cognition, road safety and human factors: false memory effects, working memory capacity, visual attention of novice and experienced drivers, beach driving, design of CCTV networks, hazard perception in cyclists, and experience in e-sports.
I hold a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education from Central Queensland University and held various Psychology teaching roles at ACU, UniSC, the University of Southern Queensland (Australia), and the University of Otago (New Zealand).
I completed my PhD studies at UniSC, assessing the validity testing of common research methods and application of these methods to study visual attention in learner drivers. In 2017 and 2018 Rachael represented UniSC at the Asia-Pacific Finals of the 3 Minute Thesis competition, having placed first at the USC competitions.
From January 2020 I joined the Human Factors Engineering team, part of the Transportation Research Group within the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton, UK. In this time, I worked on the Innovate UK funded Open Flight Deck project, exploring ways to optimise the future aviation environment. Since the Open flight Deck project came to an end, I have remained in a Visiting Researcher position at the University of Southampton, continuing to work with researchers in the Human Factors Engineering team.
From August 2021 until joining the University of Newcastle, I worked as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems at UniSC, where I completed my PhD. While there I worked on industry-funded human factors projects related to driver distraction and the safety of autonomous vehicles.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Bachelor of Pscyhological Science (Hons), Australian Catholic University
- Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education, Central Queensland University
Keywords
- distraction
- false memory
- memory
- road safety
- visual attention
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
520401 | Cognition | 50 |
520104 | Industrial and organisational psychology (incl. human factors) | 10 |
520404 | Memory and attention | 40 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Psychological Sciences Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
9/8/2021 - 9/2/2022 | Research Fellow | University of the Sunshine Coast Australia |
27/1/2020 - 1/5/2021 |
Research Fellow Research Fellow, Human Factors Engineering in the Transportation Research Group. I worked on the Innovate UK funded Open Flight Deck project, exploring ways to optimise the future aviation environment. |
University of Southampton United Kingdom |
1/7/2019 - 1/12/2019 | Teaching Assistant | The University of Otago New Zealand |
1/1/2017 - 31/1/2020 | Research Assistant | University of the Sunshine Coast Australia |
1/7/2013 - 1/12/2021 | Sessional Academic | The University of Southern Queensland Australia |
1/2/2012 - 1/7/2015 | Sessional Academic | Australian Catholic University |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
PSY2040 |
Human Information Processing University of Southern Queensland |
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2017 - 1/12/2017 |
PSYC100 |
Introduction to Psychology A Australian Catholic University |
Lecturer, Tutor | 11/2/2013 - 1/7/2013 |
PSYC100 |
Introduction to Psychology A Australian Catholic University |
Tutor | 1/2/2015 - 1/7/2015 |
PSYC307 |
Cognitive Psychology Australian Catholic University |
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2014 - 1/12/2014 |
PSY301 |
Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology University of the Sunshine Coast |
Tutor | 1/7/2021 - 1/12/2021 |
PSY102 |
Current Directions in Psychology University of the Sunshine Coast |
Workshop Facilitator (Flipped Classroom) | 1/2/2015 - 1/7/2015 |
PSYC200 |
Developmental Psychology Australian Catholic University |
Tutor | 11/2/2013 - 1/7/2013 |
PSYC101 |
Introduction to Psychology B Australian Catholic University |
Tutor | 1/7/2013 - 1/12/2013 |
PSY101 |
Introduction to Psychology B University of the Sunshine Coast |
Tutor | 1/2/2018 - 1/7/2018 |
PSY102 |
Current Directions in Psychology University of the Sunshine Coast |
Assistant Course Coordinator, Tutor | 1/2/2014 - 1/7/2014 |
PSY100 |
Introduction to Psychology A University of the Sunshine Coast |
Workshop Facilitator (Flipped Classroom) | 1/2/2019 - 1/7/2019 |
PSYC100 |
Introduction to Psychology A Australian Catholic University |
Tutor | 1/2/2014 - 1/7/2014 |
PSY100 |
Introduction to Psychology A University of the Sunshine Coast |
Tutor | 1/2/2018 - 11/7/2018 |
PSY236 |
Cognitive Engineering and Human Factors The University of Otago |
Teaching Assistant | 1/7/2019 - 1/12/2019 |
PSYC307 |
Cognitive Psychology Australian Catholic University |
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2013 - 1/12/2013 |
PSY2040 |
Human Information Processing University of Southern Queensland |
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 1/7/2016 - 1/12/2016 |
PSY1020 |
Foundational Psychology B University of Southern Queensland |
Campus Coordinator, Tutor | 1/7/2021 - 1/12/2022 |
PSY101 |
Introduction to Psychology B University of the Sunshine Coast |
Workshop Facilitator (Flipped Classroom) | 1/7/2019 - 1/12/2019 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2023 |
Parnell KJ, Banks VA, Wynne RA, Stanton NA, Plant KL, Human Factors on the Flight Deck: A Practical Guide for Design, Modelling and Evaluation (2023) This book presents the Human Factors methodologies and applications thereof that can be utilised across the design, modelling and evaluation stages of the design lifecycle of new ... [more] This book presents the Human Factors methodologies and applications thereof that can be utilised across the design, modelling and evaluation stages of the design lifecycle of new technologies entering future commercial aircraft. As advances are made to the architecture of commercial aircraft cockpits, Human Factors on the Flight Deck argues that it is vitally important that these new interfaces are safely incorporated and designed in a way that is usable to the pilot. Incorporation of Human Factors is essential to ensuring that engineering developments to avionic systems are integrated such that pilots can maintain safe interactions while gaining information of value. Case study examples of various technological advancements during their early conceptual stages are given throughout to highlight how the methods and processes can be applied across each stage. The text will be useful for professionals, graduate students and academic researchers in the fields of aviation, Human Factors and ergonomics.
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Journal article (11 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2024 |
Sturgess E, Parnell KJ, Wynne RA, Plant KL, 'A sociotechnical systems analysis of aircraft aerodynamic stall events', HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES,
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2024 |
Abedi M, Read GJM, McLean S, Wynne RA, Hulme A, Thompson J, et al., 'Causation and control: Understanding distracted driving in Australia through a systems thinking lens', Safety Science, 173 (2024) [C1] Introduction: Distracted driving is a significant threat to road safety worldwide, contributing to fatal crashes and injuries. Current countermeasures have shown limited efficacy,... [more] Introduction: Distracted driving is a significant threat to road safety worldwide, contributing to fatal crashes and injuries. Current countermeasures have shown limited efficacy, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to address driver distraction. This research adopts systems thinking methods to understand the complexities of managing driver distraction in the Australian road transport system. Aims: This research includes two studies that aimed to (1) develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) to identify the interrelated variables influencing distracted driving (study 1), (2) create and validate a System Theoretic Accident Model and Process (STAMP) control structure model to identify the actors, control and feedback mechanisms involved in managing driver distraction, and (3) determine who creates and manages risk factors related to distracted driving (study 2). Material and methods: To develop the CLD, the research team used two group modelling processes and SME workshops for validation. The STAMP control structure model was created by modifying a road safety control structure to fit the distracted driving context and its validation using a modified Delphi technique. Results: The CLD included many variables that contribute to distracted driving, including societal pressures, access to driving technologies, distracting passengers, work-related pressures, and social media use. The STAMP control structure model identified 146 actors involved in the management of driver distraction, with 74 unique control mechanisms and 47 unique feedback mechanisms currently used for managing distracted driving. Mapping stakeholders identified in the STAMP control structure onto the CLD, identified 24 stakeholders who influence the risk factors associated with driver distraction and 29 stakeholders involved in managing them, emphasizing distinct roles between the creators and managers of these risk factors. Conclusion: By applying systems thinking-based methods, the two studies conducted in this research project provided insights into driver distraction and its management. This research contributes to road safety efforts and provides useful insights to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in addressing distracted driving and improving road safety.
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Nova | ||||||
2024 |
Banks VA, Griffin TGC, Parnell KJ, Plant KL, Wynne RA, Stanton NA, 'Increasing connectivity: Using operator event sequence diagrams to assess the integration of new technology within the flight deck', HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, [C1]
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Nova | ||||||
2021 |
Parnell KJ, Wynne RA, Griffin TGC, Plant KL, Stanton NA, 'Generating Design Requirements for Flight Deck Applications: Applying the Perceptual Cycle Model to Engine Failures on Take-off', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION, 37 611-629 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Wynne RA, Parnell KJ, Smith MA, Plant KL, Stanton NA, 'Can't Touch This: Hammer Time on Touchscreen Task Performance Variability under Simulated Turbulent Flight Conditions', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION, 37 666-679 (2021) [C1]
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2019 |
Wynne RA, Beanland V, Salmon PM, 'Systematic review of driving simulator validation studies', Safety Science, 117 138-151 (2019) [C1] Driving simulators are a common tool for researching driver behaviour, providing practical, safe, and controlled environments. Despite their frequent use in research, there is rel... [more] Driving simulators are a common tool for researching driver behaviour, providing practical, safe, and controlled environments. Despite their frequent use in research, there is relatively little evidence confirming their validity (i.e., how accurately they represent or reproduce real-world driving). Moreover, there is inconsistency in both the types of simulators used, and the operationalisation of ¿real-world¿ driving in validations. This systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the evidence regarding driving simulator accuracy when compared with real-world driving. The review included 44 studies reporting a direct comparison between simulated driving and on-road driving in a vehicle. Measures reported for comparison varied but included mean speed, speed variability, lateral position, overall driving performance, and number of driving errors. Simulators in approximately half of the studies achieved absolute or relative validity, whereas one third produced non-valid results. To understand this further, the fidelity of simulators was considered, however this further clouded our understanding as the relationship between simulator fidelity and validity was not straightforward. The findings suggest that the reporting of driving simulator studies requires improvement, particularly around the validation evidence associated with the simulator, the specific details of the simulated driving environment, and the outputs of statistical analyses. Guidelines are proposed for future research to ensure consistency in the conduct, and reporting, of simulator-based research.
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2019 |
Beanland V, Wynne RA, 'Effects of roadside memorials on drivers risk perception and eye movements', Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 4 (2019) [C1] Abstract: Road crashes are a leading cause of death worldwide. In many countries, it is common to see spontaneous roadside memorials constructed in response to road fatalities. Th... [more] Abstract: Road crashes are a leading cause of death worldwide. In many countries, it is common to see spontaneous roadside memorials constructed in response to road fatalities. These memorials are controversial and are explicitly banned in many jurisdictions. Advocates argue that the presence of memorials improves safety by making other drivers aware of an especially dangerous road where others have died, whereas opponents argue that they are distracting and decrease safety by diverting drivers¿ attention away from the road. However, there has been almost no research examining the effects of roadside memorials on road user behavior and safety. In this study, 40 drivers viewed videos of road scenes with and without memorials, to examine how the presence of roadside memorials influences drivers¿ attentional allocation (indicated by eye movements to the roadside area) and safety-related behaviors (indicated by perceived risk ratings and preferred travel speeds for the road). The findings indicate memorials do capture visual attention, as participants were more likely to fixate on memorials compared with a comparison object placed on the roadside. However, fixations on the memorials, and to the roadside area in general, were relatively brief. The presence of memorials did not affect perceived risk and did not produce a clear systematic effect on preferred travel speed. Nearly all drivers in our study supported permitting roadside memorials, but a small number strongly opposed memorials on the belief they are distracting and/or distressing. Preregistration details: This study was preregistered with Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications and received in-principle acceptance on 4 March 2018. The preregistered protocol is available here: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.6181937.
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Show 8 more journal articles |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 1 |
---|---|
Total funding | $1,121,313 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20221 grants / $1,121,313
Evaluation and comparison of the Human Machine Interface (HMI) in vehicles in the Australian Market$1,121,313
Funding body: Australian Automobile Association (AAA)
Funding body | Australian Automobile Association (AAA) |
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Project Team | Professor Kristen Pammer, Professor Scott Brown, Professor Ami Eidels, Doctor Cassandra Gauld, Doctor Guy Hawkins, Mr Angus McKerral, Professor Kristen Pammer, Sarah Roberts, Doctor Rachael Wynne |
Scheme | Research Project |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2025 |
GNo | G2200861 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | The Scenic Route: The Effect of Environmental Distractibility on Driving Performance Background | PhD (Psychology - Science), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Visuo-haptic Integration in Perception and Cognition | PhD (Psychology - Science), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Honours | Evaluating differences for hazard perception in everyday driving | Psychology, School of Psychology, College of Engineering, Science, and Environment | Sole Supervisor |
2022 | Honours | False Memory Effects of Immediate Serial Recall in a Pure DRM Paradigm | Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle | Sole Supervisor |
2021 | Honours | Situation awareness in esports: Comparison of football and non-football player situation awareness when playing FIFA 21 | Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | Honours | A Qualitative Analysis of Hazard Perception: Effects of Driving Experience, Road Type, and Familiarity | Psychology, The University of Otago | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | Honours | A Comparison of Hazard Perception and Situation Awareness Among Novice and Expert Cyclists | Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Rachael Wynne
Position
Lecturer
School of Psychological Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Contact Details
rachael.wynne@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 7885 |
Office
Room | W236 |
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Building | Behavioural Sciences Building |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |