Understanding human-computer communication: An examination of two interface modes
Drawn from the cognitive psychology and human factors literature, this research allowed for a test of the assumption that applying mental models theory in the design of human-computer interface contributes to successful human-computer communication. This study amplifies this theory by examining the roles of (1) users' experience with computers, (2) level of attention paid to operational instructions, (3) syntactical clarity of printed and on-screen instructional directions, (4) users' individual differences in ability, (5) locus of control, and (6) semantical clarity (understandability or knowledge) of the functional meaning or purpose of each operational step on both printed and on-screen directions, in user performance. One hundred and twenty subjects participated in a 2 x 4 between-subjects, treatments-by-levels experiment. The AT T 3B2/400 UNIX-based command-driven interface format and the Macintosh SE WIMP-driven interface mode were used as two experimental conditions. Experimental tasks performed by the participants resembled a typical work processing session which involved the manipulation of files and insertion of text. Subjects also answered questions designed to assess their experience with computers, locus of control, attention paid to instructions, clarity of directions and attitudes toward the computer system they used. User performance was used as the indicator for the success of human-computer communication. This research contributes microtheoretical notions concerning human strategies for adapting to alternative communication designs embedded in the computer.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Univ., Austin, TX (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5923730
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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