Models of Failure: The Many Ways to Study Failure Learning

Failure learning is a complex problem and consequently it is studied using different approaches. This chapter presents 13 ways to think about failure learning: categorization of factors into opportunity, ability, and willingness; the failure–error mismatch model; error reporting, error classifications, and the Swiss cheese model; two traditional learning models that are used for failure learning—learning curves and sources of learning (internal versus external and automatic or deliberate); and three partly overlapping willingness factors: culture, climate, and psychological safety. Two other important aspects in many failure-learning settings are the role of regulations and compliance to regulations.