JEFF MARK CHARLOTTE JOCELYN PAUL
"I didn’t want to get stuck in a laboratory job. Luckily, ergonomics gives me the opportunity to always put theory to very practical use."
Charlotte, BSc Ergonomics
Human factors centers upon four pillars:
Application, Research, Education & Awareness.
None of these can be abandoned without compromising the whole discipline. However, as the above quotes illustrate, there is widespread consensus that practical, hands-on work is the only way to do ergonomics properly.
And while all professionals, regardless of their job, agree that research is important in guiding their work, many practitioners (and even some educators) criticize researchers that produce research and theory that has no pracical merits. Research done for intellectual sake seems to be undesirable in human factors; yet others might argue that it's part of the process.
The problem becomes clearer when you recognize the anatomy of a certified ergonomist or usability professional. All certificants must demonstrate both practical experience and education in human-centered design.
But universities are intellectual institutes and focus on theory; discouraging courses from becoming too practical. Because of the focus on theory and because the majority of human factors education comes from undergraduate and graduate studies it's easy to see how conflict begins.
In the end, the opposition and dichotomy between academic-oriented and practically-minded professionals boils down to personal choice.