Neuroergonomics

The term Neuroergonomics was first used by Raja Parasuraman for describing the study of brain and behavior at work. A recent volume (Parasuraman and Rizzo, 2007) gave a systematic overview of this emerging area, describing the theoretical background, basic research, major methods, as well as the new and future areas of application.

Neuroergonomics has two major aims:


 * 1) to use existing and emerging knowledge of human performance and brain function to design such systems for safer and more efficient operation
 * 2) to advance understanding of human brain function in relation to cognitive processes and performance in real-world tasks

To meet these goals, neuroergonomics combines two disciplines--neuroscience, the study of brain function, and human factors, the study of how to match technology with the capabilities and limitations of people so they can work effectively and safely. The goal of merging these two fields is to use the startling discoveries of human brain and physiological functioning both to inform the design of technologies in the workplace and home, and to provide new training methods that enhance performance, expand capabilities, and opitimize the fit between people and technology.

Research in the area of neuroergonomics has blossomed in recent years with the emergence of noninvasive techniques for monitoring human brain function that can be used to study various aspects of human behavior in relation to technology and work, including mental workload, visual attention, working memory, motor control, human-automation interaction, and adaptive automation. Consequently, this interdisciplinary field is concerned with investigations of the neural bases of human perception, cognition, and performance in relation to systems and technologies in the real world -- for example, in the use of computers and various other machines at home or in the workplace, and in operating vehicles such as aircraft, cars, trains, and ships.