A REVIEW STUDY OF ENGINEERING PSYCHOLOGY AND ERGONOMICS

Abstract

The Information Technology revolution has led to computers predominating almost every aspect of our lives from programming videocassette recorders and microwave ovens, to withdrawing cash from automatic teller machines, to purchasing rail tickets, and to performing most aspects of our work. The role of engineering psychology is distinct from both psychology and engineering in that it arises from the intersection of the two domains. Engineering psychology is distinguished from ergonomics in that "the aim of engineering psychology is not simply to compare two possible designs for a piece of equipment but to specify the capacities and limitations of the human from which the choice for a better design should be directly deductible". In the present study, a comprehensive introduction and literature review of engineering psychology have been presented. The study was considered from different viewpoints which includes general introduction to engineering psychology; a comprehensive literature review that deliberates the present subject from the consideration of the need for a psychology of engineering, differentiation between engineering psychology, ergonomics, and importance of engineering psychologists.