Aviation Social Science: Research Methods in Practice

This book facilitates the development of skills and knowledge necessary to conduct social scientific research within the aviation context. It provides the knowledge necessary to address issues identified within the aviation industry and facilitates the development of skills necessary to compile a research report suitable for publication. The topics are illustrated with aviation examples.

This book is a guide that addressees social science research issues within the aviation industry. Studies involving human factors, personality, training systems evaluation, decision-making, crew resource management and situation awareness are used to illustrate not only the process, but also the outcomes that can emerge from social science research. The book describes the principles involved in conceptualising a research problem, obtaining management support, developing an appropriate timeframe, obtaining ethics approval and collecting and managing data. It also provides useful guidelines concerning the publication of research in magazines, academic journals and conference presentations. The topics are illustrated with aviation examples and the principles are deliberately broad. This book will be a useful guide for both novice and experienced researchers, especially pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, aviation management, aviation researchers, safety personnel and undergraduate and postgraduate university students.