Ergonomics Methods
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MMME4082 | Mechanical, Materials & Manufacturing Engineering | 4 | 30 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- MMME4082
- School
- Mechanical, Materials & Manufacturing Engineering
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The syllabus covers survey design, interviewing and questionnaire design; experimental design; selection & recruitment of participants; ethical issues; participatory ergonomics; task and function analysis; observational methods; design decision groups; qualitative methods; computer simulation & modelling; psychophysics and ergonomics project management. Statistical techniques covered include ANOVA; non-parametric tests; parametric tests; multiple regression; multidimensional scaling; paired comparison; verbal protocol analysis; descriptive statistics; ranking & rating scales; factor analysis; power analysis and reliability analysis. Students are also introduced to methods within the professional practice of ergonomics including problem identification, cost benefit analysis and developing and assessing safety management systems.
Re-assessment
Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be re-assessed in all failed assessment components. The re-assessment mark for the module will be a combination of the marks from components passed first time and the components which have been re-assessed.
Target Students
Students registered on the MSc in Applied Ergonomics by Distance Learning
Classes
The module is delivered by distance learning.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Questionnaire design and 2000 word report
- 15% Coursework 2: Statistical tests - report template
- 20% Coursework 3: Statistics analysis 2000 word report
- 10% Coursework 4: Case study analysis report template
- 30% Coursework 5: 3000 word report
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
To develop research and analysis skills needed within the field of ergonomics research, including qualitative and quantitative measurement and evaluation techniques. It introduces and develops research and analysis theories and techniques which can be used in ergonomic analysis and evaluation of systems or products. The module covers problem identification and evaluation, planning and execution of research studies, interpretation and presentation of results.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- LO1 – Develop understanding and knowledge of human factors research methods used to assess different problems in different settings. (Comprehension)
- LO2 – Define research questions, plan and conduct a research study, and select appropriate methods in order to answer the research questions. (Comprehension, application)
- LO3 – Identify appropriate statistical tests to analyse data. Perform manual data analysis calculations and interpret and present the results obtained. (Comprehension, application)
- LO4 – Apply the statistical analysis tool (SPSS) to input research data. Conduct appropriate statistical analysis test and interpret the SPSS outputs and results. (Comprehension, application)
- LO5 – Apply knowledge to select, apply, conduct and present appropriate research studies in practical research settings. (Comprehension, application)