Doing Human Dimensions Research: Lessons from Recent Military Operations

摘要

Since the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the U.S. Army has devoted increased attentionto field studies aimed at identifying and understanding the critical human dimensions issues that can affect soldier health and well-being, morale, cohesion and performance. Army social psychologists have conducted human dimensions studies in several recent military operations in such places as Croatia, Somalia and Kuwait. This paper draws on these experiences to summarize the important methodological and practical considerations in doing such work. Future military human dimensions field research should benefit from this treatment of key issues in the design and execution of such studies.