Entrepreneurship - Human Factors Psychology
Human Factors / Engineering Psychology
My entrepreneurship experience was a course I took at Old Dominion called Human Factors Psychology. Human factors psychology, also called engineering psychology, is defined as the formal academic study of the human role in man-machine systems, and how systems can be designed to work with people safely and efficiently. I took this course not only because of the LeADERS program but also because I intend on earning a masters or PhD in human factors psychology. During the class, I learned about the history, the current research, and problems in both human factors psychology and engineering. I have been involved in a human factors lab called Applied Cognitive Performance Lab (ACPL) for the past year and a half. The ACPL works on combining human cognition with surface transportation.
The largest innovation currently underway in human factors research is automated vehicles. Engineering psychologists and human factors engineers work together to not only design these automated vehicles but also find solutions to problems before they occur. For example, as cars become more automated, how do we ensure that the driver is ready and alert to take over the vehicle when needed? I included the video to the right for more information as Dr. Dingus from Virginia Tech expands the role of human factors in automated vehicles, the future, and the possible negative effects.
In-class Group Research Presentation
In my human factors psychology course, each student was sorted into groups and each group had to identify and conduct research on a topic related to the class. My group decided to investigate if encouraging posters affected student performance, which was operationalized by test scores. I chose this topic because I noticed elementary schools cover their classrooms with encouraging messages while college classrooms are dull and blank. For one test, we filled the room supportive posters including phrases such as "You Got This!" or "Keep Going!" For the other test, we left the walls blank. We sent out surveys after each test asking students to anonymously report their scores and if they noticed the posters.
To find out our results, check out our final presentation to the left!
While I already had research experience, this project included my first survey study. In the ACP lab, I examine data such as reaction time and sensitivity (d'). Not having prior experience with survey research, I learned how to create a survey and how to mass email the class. Our group was not allowed to have the raw scores from the professor because of educational rights. Even though it was only a small class project, I appreciated gaining a bit more research experience and learning how to collaborated on a project with other researchers.