Ferner and Aronson used cognitive psychology to classification medication errors. This classification can be used in other domains as well.
An error is a failure to perform an intended action.
A mistake is an error in planning an action.
Slips and lapses are skill-based errors where there is failure to execute a suitable plan.
Types of mistakes:
(1) knowledge-based error
(2) use of a bad rule
(3) misuse of a good rule (not applied or misapplied)
Types of slips (action-based error)
(1) technical error (imperfect execution of an action)
(2) other
A lapse is a memory-based error where the person has been trained but forgets or fails to recall.
