Introduction: The introduction of a
thematic framework is necessary for the field of ergonomics and human factors.
Content analysis is a useful tool for the trend analysis and distribution of
published articles however, reports on the content analysis of ergonomics
journals are rare. The present study was conducted to identify research trends
in the journal of Human Factors through a content analysis of its recent
articles published over the past ten years (2005-2014).
Materials and Methods: The present study used
the directed content analysis method. Two analysis experts classified 741
articles based on their thematic codes. A conceptual framework was used to
perform the content analysis. EXCEL 2007 and SPSS-19 were used for the data
preparation, theme distribution and trend analysis of the published themes.
Results: From the total of 21
themes extracted, six themes defined over 50% of the variance in the published
articles, including “Biomechanics, Anthropometry and Work Physiology",
"Display and Control Design", "Surface Transportation Systems",
"Cognitive Processes", "Attentional Processes" and
"Sensory, Perceptual and Psychomotor Processes". The journal had a
special focus on "Biomechanics, Anthropometry and Work Physiology"
(about 12%).
Conclusion: The thematic framework
and distribution pattern noticed in this study can be used for planning
education and research on human factors and ergonomics in universities,
research centers and related organizations.