METHODS OF RESEARCHING THE HUMAN FACTOR IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

Анотація

This study examines the methodological approaches employed by contemporary researchers in the maritime domain, with particular emphasis on human factors. The aim is to provide guidance for graduate students and early-career scientists in selecting appropriate and effective research methods for their own investigations. By analyzing current methodological trends, the study seeks to discourage reliance on outdated or limited techniques – such as simple percentage-based analyses – and to promote the adoption of more advanced and rigorous approaches.

The research is based on a review of 50 articles published in Scopus-indexed journals. The analysis reveals several prominent methodological tendencies in recent studies, including the use of advanced data analytics, case study approaches, field research conducted during maritime voyages, and the application of author-developed questionnaires with thorough validation procedures. The findings indicate that studies focusing on human factors predominantly employ psycho-diagnostic methods, surveys and questionnaires, observational techniques, and experimental designs.

Among experimental approaches, navigation simulators are widely utilized due to their ability to replicate realistic maritime conditions, including variable weather, traffic density, technical failures, and emergency scenarios. Additionally, archival methods play a significant role by enabling retrospective analyses of maritime incidents and human performance under authentic operational circumstances.

Overall, data analysis emerges as a central component of modern maritime research on human factors, facilitating the transition from descriptive observations to evidence-based conclusions. This approach supports the identification of patterns and causal relationships, thereby enhancing the scientific rigor and practical relevance of contemporary studies