A Critique of Standard Reference Works in Human Factors

Abstract

This study employed the questionnaire technique to survey members of the Human Factors Society with regard to the adequacy of the reference works in that field of engineering. The responses indicated marked preferences for certain reference works, the preferences being partially correlated with the educational backgrounds of the responders. Suggestions for the improvement of handbooks and for the coverage of new areas were also solicited and analyzed, but were found to be not related to educational background. Some possible directions for the improvement of reference works are discussed.

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