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Dyslexic people face particular problems in employment. These problems, coupled with a lack of specialist support, create a critical need for specially tailored computer assisted careers guidance (CACG) systems. The primary objective of this thesis is to establish guidelines for the design of such a system. Section one examines the possibility of providing training or guidance for dyslexic people via computer, and focuses on the use of symbolic information. The results of Study 1, using British road traffic signs, indicate that dyslexic people are deficient in implicit learning, even for symbolic information. Consequently, despite the advantage of symbol based systems for dyslexics, explicit training in system use is likely to be essential. Section two examines the potential of such systems for delivering specially tailored CACG to dyslexic people. The literature on careers guidance for dyslexic people suggests that they particularly benefit from increased insight into the nature of their disability, and knowledge of its implications. Careers guidance for dyslexics would therefore be optimised by guidance in: the nature of their disabilities; likely effects of their disabilities; implications for careers decisions; and opportunities for overcoming dyslexia-related difficulties. It is argued that multimedia systems, encapsulating an open learning approach, are particularly appropriate for dyslexic people. Modern multimedia computer assisted careers guidance (CACG) systems have the potential to facilitate these beneficial processes, and to provide valuable information and support materials. However, presently available systems of this sort are far from suitable for dyslexics. Unfortunately, little information on multimedia or CACG relates directly to dyslexia. To counter this, three studies were conducted; an interview study of selected dyslexia professionals, a questionnaire study of a wider range of dyslexia professionals, and a questionnaire study of dyslexic adults. Each was designed to establish: how careers guidance for dyslexic people can be improved; the feasibility and desirability of multimedia CACG for dyslexic people; and the design characteristics of such a CACG system. Not only was it generally agreed that such a system is feasible, and desirable, but also strong support was voiced for the central use of video resources. However, it was stressed that the system should not be allowed to replace human guidance. The results of these studies are combined with the conclusions from the literature, to construct a detailed design and description of a multimedia CACG system for dyslexic people.

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This research thesis is concerned with the human factors aspects of industrial alarm systems within human supervisory control tasks. Typically such systems are located in central control rooms, and the information may be presented via visual display units. The thesis develops a human, rather than engineering, centred approach to the assessment, measurement and analysis of the situation. A human factors methodology was employed to investigate the human requirements through: interviews, questionnaires, observation and controlled experiments. Based on the analysis of current industrial alarm systems in a variety of domains (power generation, manufacturing and coronary care), it is suggested that often designers do not pay due considerations to the human requirements. It is suggested that most alarm systems have severe shortcomings in human factors terms. The interviews, questionnaire and observations led to the proposal of 'alarm initiated activities' as a framework for the research to proceed. The framework comprises of six main stages: observe, accept, analyse, investigate, correct and monitor. This framework served as a basis for laboratory research into alarm media. Under consideration were speech-based alarm displays and visual alarm displays. Non-speech auditory displays were the subject of a literature review. The findings suggest that care needs to be taken when selecting the alarm media. Ideally it should be chosen to support the task requirements of the operator, rather than being arbitrarily assigned. It was also indicated that there may be some interference between the alarm initiated activities and the alarm media, i.e. information that supports one particular stage of alarm handling may interfere with another.

This thesis is a first attempt at a full-length study of the writings of Sydney Goodsir Smith. Certain themes and attitudes become apparent and provide a key for a better understanding of his work. Chapter One. Smith was born in New Zealand and educated in England where his first writings were influenced by the 1890's. MacDiarmid's example and the enthusiasm of literary friends in Edinburgh led him to write in Scots. Chapter Two. The revival of Scots aroused controversy but the literary reasons for its adoption must be stressed. In Scots Smith found freedom for linguistic experimentation. He drew freely on all levels of the language from the everyday to the aureate and adapted the language to suit his own needs. Chapter Three. Smith's poems in English are poor, and his first Scots poems are uncertain. Skail Wind is coloured by the war but in it and The Wanderer the 'gangrel' and the theme of existential revolt first emerge. Peter Morrison is the archetypal 'gangrel'. Chapter Four. In The Deevil's Waltz Smith uses myth as a point of reference. Prometheus becomes the model for Man struggling for dignity and self-definition in a world gone mad. Chapter Five. Figs and Thistles continues this theme with political and social comment. Politics are tempered by realism and Smith's main concern remains the individual. Chapters Six and Seven. The evolution of Under the Eildon Tree is described, as is its use of mythology and legend. The attributes of the 'goddess' are discussed, related to a common romantic archetype, and traced within the poem. Under the Eildon Tree is then seen in relation to Classical models and its use of elegiac conventions is studied. The narrator of the poem is seen as a romantic rebel. Chapter Eight. Smith's lyrics are primarily expressions of his emotional reactions. So Late Into the Night is regarded as a sequence which dramatically reveals a multiplicity of attitudes to love. Later lyrics make use of esoteric mythological details but Smith is also capable of restrained, philosophical statement. His lyrics celebrate the flux of experience. Chapter Nine. 'To Li Po' owes much to Robert Fergusson and the Eighteenth century verse epistle. It introduces us to Smith's longer city poems in which the individual is seen in a social and urban context. The 'respectable' values of bourgeois Edinburgh are rejected. The 'gangrels' are the true bearers of tradition. The themes of love and politics are revealed as one in The Vision of the Prodigal Son. Chapter Ten. Smith wrote plays which are not 'disinterested' drama: they are 'committed' political statements and may be criticised for the inadequacy of their analysis. He also indulged in mythological fantasy. The Laughter of the Gods is about the failure, and necessity, of individual rebellion. Carotid Cornucopius is a celebration of anarchy. Chapter Eleven. Smith's writing is varied and deserving of greater study but his best work is an expression of his own personality.