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Sociological Evidence in Human Factors-Related Litigation

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Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology

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Abstract

Human factors (HF) involves acquiring knowledge about human capacity, applying these findings to technological systems and services, and making sure that ergonomic principles are followed. Sociological data can improve equipment design, task design, environmental design, the training of employees, and the selection of applicants. Social and behavioral studies can assist policy makers and legislators in the development of public safety-related policies and laws. In this chapter, the author analyzes some historical developments in the sociological aspects of the HF field, reviews research in the above areas, and presents several case composite studies to demonstrate the ways in which sociologists can serve as expert witnesses in HF-related litigation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. California State University, East Bay, CA, USA

    Stephen J. Morewitz Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Stephen J. Morewitz Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Stephen J. Morewitz Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Nursing and Health Sciences, California State University, East Bay, San Francisco, California, USA

    Stephen J. Morewitz

  2. College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Mark L. Goldstein

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Morewitz, S.J. (2014). Sociological Evidence in Human Factors-Related Litigation. In: Morewitz, S., Goldstein, M. (eds) Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7178-3_19

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