On cognitive properties of human factors in engineering

Abstract

Human traits and needs are the fundamental force underlying almost all phenomena in human task performances, engineering organizations, and societies. This paper explores the cognitive foundations of human traits and cognitive properties of human factors in engineering. The fundamental traits of human beings are identified, and the hierarchical model of basic human needs is formally describes. The characteristics of human factors and their influences in engineering organizations and socialization are explored. Based on the models of basic human traits, needs, and their influences, driving forces behind the human factors in engineering and society are revealed. A formal model of human errors in task performing is derived, and case studies of the error model in software engineering are presented.