Instructional Use of Personal Computers in Human Factors Labs

Abstract

With the ubiquitousness of personal computers (PCs), it is only natural that they should be utilized in human factors laboratories not only for research data collection but also as an educational tool. With large engineering classes, most labs cannot afford to have multiple meters and instruments to service several identical laboratory stations simultaneously. Instead, it is extremely helpful to have several PCs with programs depicting basic human factors principles running simultaneously with the other stations. Thus, the PC programs are not intended to eliminate hands-on experimentation, but to help alleviate loading problems and provide useful educational principles.