How do you approach conducting research on human performance in complex systems?

Sample interview questions: How do you approach conducting research on human performance in complex systems?

Sample answer:

As a Human Factors Psychologist, conducting research on human performance in complex systems requires a systematic and multidisciplinary approach. Here are the steps and considerations I would take when conducting such research:

1. Define the research objective: Before beginning any research, it is crucial to clearly define the objective. This involves identifying the specific complex systems or environments under investigation and the aspects of human performance that need to be understood.

2. Literature review: A comprehensive literature review is essential to gain a thorough understanding of existing theories, methodologies, and empirical findings related to human performance in complex systems. This step helps identify knowledge gaps and informs the development of research hypotheses.

3. Research design: Based on the research objective, a suitable research design needs to be determined. This may involve laboratory experiments, field studies, or a combination of both. Consideration should be given to factors such as sample size, participant selection criteria, and the measurement tools to be used.

4. Ethical considerations: As with any research involving human participants, ethical considerations must be prioritized. Obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort are essential.

5. Data collection: Depending on the research design, data collection can involve various methods such as observation, interviews, questionnaires, physiological measurements, or performance metrics. It is important to use reliable and valid measures to capture relevant aspects of human performance in complex systems.

6. Data analysis: Once data is collected, it needs to be analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. This may involve descriptive analyses, inferential statistics, or qualitative approaches, depending on the nature of the data and research questions. The goal is to identify patterns, relationships, and factors influencing human performance.

7. Interpretation and integration: The results of the analysis should be interpreted in light of the research objectives and existing literature. This step involves discussing the implications of the findings and their relevance to theory, practice, and the improvement of complex syst… Read full answer

   Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_18/Human%20Factors%20Psychologist