This experiment was conducted to generate menus for a command language based on the cognitive structures of expert and naive users. Expert and novice menus were generated from networks derived by applying a network analysis algorithm (Pathfinder) to similarity ratings of command functions. The results of a second experiment to test the effectiveness of the menus as training (transition) devices for using the functions in a command-driven style will be reported.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AdelsonB. (1981). Problem solving and the development of abstract categories in programming languages. Memory and Cognition, 9, 422–433.
2.
ChaseW. G.SimonH. A. (1973). Peiception in chess. Cognitive Psychology, 5, 55–81.
3.
ChiM. T. H.FeltovichP. J.GlaserR. (1981). Categorization and representation of physics problems by experts and novices. Cognitive Science, 5, 121–152.
4.
GilfoilD. (1982). Warming up to computers: A study of cognitive and affective interaction over time. In Proceedings of the Human Factors in Computer Systems (pp. 245–250). Gaithersburg, MD.
5.
LeeE.WhalenT.McEwenLatremouilleS. (1984). Optimizing the design of menu pages for information retrievalErgonomics, 27(10), 1051–1069.
6.
McDonaldJ. E.StoneJ. D.LiebeltL.S.KaratJ. (1982). Evaluating a method for structuring the user-system interface. In Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 26th Annual Meeting (pp. 551–555). Seattle, WA: Human Factors Society.
7.
McKelthenK. B.ReitmanJ. S.RueterH. H.HirtleS. C.Knowledge organization and skill differences in computer programmers. Cognitive Psychology, 13, 307–325.
8.
Roske-HofstrandR. J.PaapK. R.Cognitive networks as a guide to menu organization: An application in the automated cockpit. Manuscript submitted for publication.
9.
SchvaneveldtR. W.DursoF. T.DearholtD. W. (1985). Pathfinder: Scaling with network structures. Manuscript submitted for publication.
10.
SlobodaJ. A. (1976). Visual perception of musical notation: Registering pitch symbols in memory. Quarterly Journal of Psychology, 28, 1–16.