Meta-Analysis of Human Factors Engineering Studies Comparing Individual Differences, Practice Effects and Equipment Design Variations

摘要

An approach which has as its theme the trade-offs between engineering (hardware and software) parameters and human engineering parameters is described. It emphasizes Individual Difference and Practice effects as contributors to improved systems performance subject to the influence of equipment design. Bringing them together and quantitatively in one model as contributors to better performance is one the innovations of the Isoperformance model. A quantitative analysis was conducted of the human factors literature which compared the effects on human performance of equipment features, practice, and individual differences. Of over 10,000 citations scanned, only 10 permitted sufficient detail for calculation of Omega Squared. This final yield (0.01%) is a sobering commentary on the raw material that serves as our human factors engineering technological data base. The Isoperformance model is offered as technical framework in which to make extrapolations from the existing literature to real-world situations. They wil be exemplified by experments carried out for the purpose and implemented under this technical framework. Keywords: Human factors engineering; Manpower & personnel; Human performance; Individual differences; Training; Systems engineering; MANPRINT & HARDMAN; Cost-effectiveness.