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Knowledge acquisition and conceptual models: A Cognitive analysis of the interface

Dillon, Andrew (1987) Knowledge acquisition and conceptual models: A Cognitive analysis of the interface. In Diaper, Dan and Winder, Russell, Eds. Proceedings Human Computer Interaction: People and Computers, pages pp. 371-379, Exeter, England.

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Abstract

This item is not the definitive copy. Please use the following citation when referencing this material: Dillon, A. (1987) Knowledge acquisition and conceptual models: a cognitive analysis of the interface. In: D. Diaper and R.Winder (eds.) People and Computers III. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 371-379. Abstract: Understanding how users process the information available to them through the computer interface can greatly enhance our abilities to design usable systems. This paper details the results of a longitudinal psychological experiment investigating the effect of interface style on user performance, knowledge acquisition and conceptual model development. Through the use of standard performance measures, interactive error scoring and protocol analysis techniques it becomes possible to identify crucial psychological factors in successful human computer use. Results indicate that a distinction between "deep" and "shallow" knowledge of system functioning can be drawn where both types of user appear to interact identically with the machine although significant differences in their respective knowledge exists. The effect of these differences on user ability to perform under stress and transfer to similar systems is noted. Implications for the design of usable systems are discussed.

EPrint Type:Conference Paper
Subjects:Cognitive Science
Psychology
Human Computer Interaction
Hypertext and Hypermedia
ID Code:1293
Deposited On:04 August 2006
Alternative Locations:http://www.cambridge.org/us/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=0521351979
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