ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to introduce ergonomists and human factors researchers to the unique benefits of the psychophysiological approach. Although collecting physiological data is not unfamiliar to this field, psychophysiology has more to offer than physiological recording. One of its major goals is the integration of physiological, subjective and performance/behavioral data. Furthermore, psychophysiological theories emphasize the importance of the nervous system and explain how the neural modulation of physiological systems promotes or limits the range of work related behavior. Therefore, researchers and those who apply ergonomics in the field to create better work environments should consider complementing their methodology with relevant physiological measures. In addition, the choice of psychophysiological measures should be based on neurophysiological models providing a rationale for the use of particular measures. The present article furnishes a brief introduction to theory, methodology and application of psychophysiology in the field of ergonomy and human factors. More detailed information is provided in Backs and Boucsein (1999) on “engineering psychophysiology.”
