1. Chapter 5 Investigation and Research

2. Purpose of Research To collect data and information that will assist you in solving a problem

3. Asking questions Asking the right question is probably the most important part of doing investigation and research. Closed questions – questions that generate specific answers Open Ended questions – Questions that generate more than one specific answer and lead to other.

4. Collecting Published Information Key Words Encyclopedias Card Catalogs Periodical Indexes Keeping records of your info! (bibliography)

5. Collecting Info from People Personal interview Letter Address to an individual not a “blind letter” Use official stationary Official business letter format 800 numbers Have questions ready ahead of time

6. Human Factors Engineering We expect to live and work in environments that fit us as human users. The degree to which things in our environments are comfortable is a measure of good planning and the application of “ergonomics.” Ergonomics – the design of products, as well as of working and living space, to fit the needs of humans.

7. Human Scale Not all things are designed for the average person. Anthropometrics – the branch of science that deals with human measurement by describing human size, shape, and other characteristics. Descriptive statistics

8. Statistics Probability – likelihood of some event happening. Normal distribution – bell curve Mean score – average Percentiles Standard deviation - how far from the mean

9. Using Anthropometrical Data Custom production – tailored for one individual Mass production – made for the majority of a group Elderly Physically Challenged Reach, clearance and posture