TEACHING UNDERGRADUATE HUMAN-FACTORS - THE NEED, ACTIVITIES, AND BENEFITS

In this article, eve outline the need for and role of undergraduate hu man factors education, describe several activities for teaching human factors, and identify the benefits associated with offering the course . The results of a survey of Psychology undergraduates (N = 111) revea led that they were unfamiliar with, yet interested in, human factors i ssues. A human factors course can inform students about the profession , meet their interests, and provide a variety of useful skills. We pre sent 6 successful hands-on activities for teaching about human factors . Students reported that they enjoyed these activities and gained a gr eater understanding of the principles. Students also noted that the co urse increased their knowledge about the profession and provided new p erspectives for examining systems and applying the principles.