Process control: Domains, disciplines and cognitive difficulties

The underlying stratum of domains, representations and disciplines makes the study of process control challenging. In this article the authors classify and provide specific remedies for addressing the underlying common difficulties faced by novices in the field of process control. The authors also share content that might be of direct value to practicing engineers. Engineers can use the “identifying similarities and differences” strategy for improving understanding of labels and identifiers such as excitation and DC gain, but the focus needs to be on discerning subtle rather than gross differences. Good practical examples serve as helpful learning aids for complex concepts such as anti reset-windup and non-minimum phase zero but are not easy to find. For big universal ideas such as causality and stability, the authors found a narrative style, linking content to learners’ prior knowledge and use of metaphors – three techniques missing from most standard textbooks – to be useful for overcoming the cognitive barriers.

► We developed a new course on fundamentals of process control.
► We delivered the course five times to about 80 operators and engineers.
► We analyzed the muddiest points.
► In this article, we classify the underlying difficulties faced by students.
► We provide specific recommendations for bridging selected cognitive gaps.