Zeitschrift für Ergonomie
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Item Response Theory on Ergonomics and Human Factors Researches

Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva, Antonio Cezar Bornia, Leila Amaral Gontijo, Luiz Bueno da Silva

It is common practice in ergonomic studies to use instruments that seek to measure, through items or questions, some perception, sensation, skill or characteristic (latent trait) of individuals or elements that are part of the workplace. The use of these instruments is preferable, especially when direct medication of the latent trait is difficult, complicated or expensive. Examples of latent traits in ergonomics are the ‘degree of adequacy of students with school desks, the ‘comfort of aircraft seats’ perceived by users, and the ‘musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by workers’ after the workday.