Measures of central tendency (e.g., mean) and distribution of data (e.g., standard deviation) are
considered which type of statistics? - Answers descriptive
A study compared speed of performance using a touch screen and speed of performance using
a mouse. In the study, 20 participants used the touch screen, and 20 used the mouse. Which of
the following is the independent variable? - Answers input device
After a human factors research study, we want to generalize the results to other people,
settings and tasks. In order for us to generalize this way, we would want to make sure we have
good __________. - Answers external validity
In a research setting, IRB stands for: - Answers Institutional Review Board
Following an experiment, a researcher discloses the full intent of the study to the participant
including a description of any deception that might have been used. This best describe what
process? - Answers debriefing
Type I error occurs - Answers when a researcher claims there is an effect caused by the
independent variable but there is not
A movie theater designer does a test to determine the effect of placement of door hinges (left
or right) on customer speed of exit. Of the following, which is a possible confounding variable? -
Answers all of the above issues are possible confounding variables in this test
A cockpit display designer does a study to determine how the amount of air traffic (heavy or
light) impacts pilot speed of decision making. What is the dependent variable? - Answers speed
of decision making
A pilot is in an experiment. Knowing this, she tries hard to perform well. This could be an
example of which of the following: - Answers Hawthorne effect
A master degree student is working on his thesis research project. He is examining the effect of
a new type of training on pilot performance. He has 2 groups (new training vs. old training).
After the participants go through the training, he evaluates their performance in the cockpit.
However, he knows which participants have received the new training and which have received
the old training. His first evaluation of a person from the new training group is very good and it
influences his subsequent evaluation of other pilots in that group in a positive way (he rates
them higher even when they perform just like people from the old training group)? What has
happened here? - Answers halo effect
What questions should human factors specialists ask during early phases of design? - Answers
all of the above
What event likely defined the birth of the human factors discipline? - Answers World War II