The research role of the human factors specialist on weapon systems project teams has been the subject of misunderstanding. Bound by other project roles, time limitations, complexity of phenomena, inadequate methodology and facilities, human factors project research has often left much to be desired. If effective project research is to be accomplished, there is a need for the development of (1) generalized research and development tools and (2) specific and detailed criteria for research methodology for the test and evaluation of complex man–machine weapon systems.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BirminghamH. P.TaylorF. V., A human engineering approach to the design of man-operated continuous control systems. USN, Naval Research Laboratory, NRL Report No. 4333, 1954.
2.
FittsP. M.SchipperL.KiddJ. E.ShellyM.KraftC., Some concepts and methods for the conduct of system research in a laboratory setting. In “Symposium on Air Force Human Engineering, Personnel, and Training Research,”FinchG.CameronF. (Eds.), pp. 174–187. Washington: National Academy of Sciences — National Research Council, Publication 516, 1958.
3.
KraftJ. A., Industrial approaches to human engineering in America. Ergonomics, 1(4), 301. 1958.
4.
LindquistO. H.GrossR. L., Human engineering man-machine study of a weapon system. Minneapolis: Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., Aeronautical Division, MH Aero Report R-ED 6094, October 1958.
5.
McRuerD. T.KrendelE. S., Dynamic response of human operators. USAF, WADC Tech. Rep., No. 56–524, 1957.
6.
TillinghastN. W.HendersonB. E., A study of cockpit display requirements for VTOL airplanes. USAF, WADC Tech Rep., No. 58–58, 1958.
7.
WisselJ. W.HallS. A., Human engineering research — who should do it and why. Amer. Psychol., 12(2), 92, 1957.
8.
WoodC. C., Human factors engineering: An aircraft company chief engineer's viewpoint. Ergonomics, 1(4), 294, 1958.
