Human Factors and Behavioral Science: Introduction

Introduction By E. E. SUMNER* (Manuscript received March 15, 1983) Human factors and its parent discipline, behavioral science, help us understand human capacities, interests, and needs. This understanding is especially important now, because modern technology makes unusual demands on its users. Knowledge and techniques derived from the behavioral sciences can help identify and design new products. This paper discusses the background and roles of the behavioral sciences, and it summarizes the contents of this issue.