The paucity of human factors work in computer system design is noted, and reasons for this are elaborated with particular reference to computer-based management information systems. The main obstacle to such human factors endeavor would appear to be the lack of appropriate investigatory techniques. To remedy this deficiency a method is proposed which derived from the field of psychotherapy. Pilot studies are reported which demonstrate the technique and indicate how the data obtained may be interpreted. An appraisal of the potential of this technique in the management information system field is presented.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BainbridgeL.BeishonJ.HemmingJ. H.SplaineM. A study of real-time human decision-making using a plant simulator. Operations Research Quarterly Special Conference Issue, 1968, 91–106.
2.
BannisterD. In FossB. M.New horizons in psychology.Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1966.
3.
BannisterD.MairJ. M. M.The evaluation of personal constructs.London and New York: Academic Press, 1968.
4.
BowenH. M.The “imp” in the system. In: SingletonW. T.EasterbyR. S.WhitfieldD. (Ed.) The human operator in complex systems.London: Taylor and Francis, 1967.
5.
CraikK. J. W. Theory of the human operator in control systems: I. The operator as an engineering system. British Journal of Psychology, 1947, 38, 56–61. (a).
6.
CraikK. J. W. Theory of the human operator in control systems: II. Man as an element in a control system. British Journal of Psychology, 1947, 38, 142–148. (b).
7.
GagnéR. M.Psychological principles in systems development.New York: Holt, Rhinehart and Winston, 1963.
8.
GraceG. L. Preface to human factors special issue on information processing systems. Human Factors, 1970, 12(2): 161–164.
9.
JordanN. Motivational problems in human computer operations. Human Factors, 1962, 4(3): 171–175.
10.
JordanN. Allocation of functions between man and machines in automated systems. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1963, 47(3): 161–165.
11.
KellyG. A.The psychology of personal constructs.Volumes 1 and 2. New York: Norton, 1955.
12.
LickliderJ. C. R.Man-computer symbiosis. I.R.E. Transactions on Human Factors in Electronics, 1960, 1, 4–10.
13.
McCoyW. K.Jr.Problems of validity measures used in investigating man-machine systems. Human Factors, 1963, 5(4): 373–377.
14.
NickersonR.Man-computer interaction: A challenge for human factors research. The International Symposium on Man-Machine Systems (IEEE).Feltham Laboratories, England, 1969, 164–180.
15.
ShackelB.Man-computer interaction: The contribution of the human sciences. The International Symposium on Man-Machine Systems (IEEE).Feltham Laboratories, England, 1969, 149–163.
16.
SlaterP.The principal components of a repertory grid.London: Vincent, Andrews and Co., 1965.
17.
SlaterP. Notes on Ingrid 1967. London: Biometrics Unit, Maudsley Hospital, 1967.
