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    Overview

    The study of factors that affect decision making and cognition in naturalistic task settings.

    This paper focused on human factors (ergonomics), with a particular emphasis on cognitive engineering - which is the study of factors that affect cognition and decision making in naturalistic task settings. It is a field of study particularly concerned with human performance in technological settings. These include transportation (road, rail, air, sea), manufacturing, mining and health care. This paper provides an introduction to the topic and preparation for further study in the area.

    About this paper

    Paper title Human Factors and Ergonomics
    Subject Psychology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    PSYC 210 and PSYC 211 and PSYC 212
    Restriction
    PSYC 322
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility

    With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in each of PSYC 210 and 212 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-328 concurrently with PSYC 211.

    With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in PSYC 211 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-328 concurrently with PSYC 210 and 212.

    Contact

    Dr Vanessa Beanland (vanessa.beanland@otago.ac.nz)

    Teaching staff

    Dr Vanessa Beanland

    Paper Structure

    The emphasis is on the characteristics of human cognition in real-world settings for individuals, teams or individuals teamed with intelligent systems. Topics will include: the analysis of human error from both a practical and theoretical perspective, display design, automation, attention, workload, skill and decision making.

    Internal Assessment: Internal assessment is 50% of the final grade in this paper, consisting of written assignments (35%) and one class test (15%).

    The written assignments includes exercises designed to promote individual research and considered reflection on key aspects of the paper.

    The class test consists of short answer and essay questions.

    Teaching Arrangements

    One 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour lecture per week.

    Textbooks
    Textbooks are not required for this paper.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Develop knowledge of theories of human error and systemic failure and apply these to real-world incidents and accidents
    • Develop knowledge of human attention and apply this to problems of display design, automation and workload
    • Develop knowledge of theories of decision making and apply these to different domains
    • Demonstrate critical thinking about accident causation and errors in human performance

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 11:00-11:50 29-35, 37-42
    Friday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
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