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Presentation
Are You a Scientist First and Human Factors Engineer/Psychologist Second, or Vice-Versa? [Human Factors as Both the Embodiment of and Potential Solution to a Broken System of Science]
58th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (2014)
  • Scott Shappell, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Abstract
The objective of this panel was to discuss issues critical to the modern practice of science, with a specific focus on how we train students to operate within a system that often slows scientific innovation. Chris Brill provided opening remarks to frame the discussion and introduce the panelists. Ben Lawson briefly summarized the most significant problems affecting modern science and how they limit discovery, stifle innovation, and reduce quality. The remaining panelists then provided brief opening remarks in response to Lawson’s summary. Specifically, Frank Durso addressed how the current research and funding environments affects student training and career advice. Peter Hancock addressed how risk-averse sponsors and business models prohibit innovative research. Scott Shappell discussed how different Human Factors and Ergonomics (heretofore referenced as HF/E) career paths lead people to and from their roles as scientists. Specifically, he discussed how to prepare students for flexibility in the changing landscape of the business of science. The panel then turned to facilitated discussion with panelists and audience members. Specific themes included the business of science in relation to educational practices, the applied nature of HF/E training within the scientist/practitioner model, and implications of short-term funding schedules on education and research practices. The panel concluded by discussing how HF/E scientists/practitioners may be uniquely qualified to offer potential solutions to the above problems from educational and systemic perspectives.
Keywords
  • scientific innovation,
  • barriers to scientific research,
  • careers in science
Publication Date
October, 2014
Location
Chicago, IL
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1541931214581097
Comments
This paper appears on pages 467-471 of the Proceedings.
Citation Information
Scott Shappell. "Are You a Scientist First and Human Factors Engineer/Psychologist Second, or Vice-Versa? [Human Factors as Both the Embodiment of and Potential Solution to a Broken System of Science]" 58th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (2014)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/scott-shappell/32/