Experimental Studies of Novice Computer Users

摘要

It is widely believed that the learning and effective use of complex systems, including many computer-based systems, requires an understanding of the principles behind the operation of those systems. Our main purpose was to investigate the savings that actually can be obtained by giving learners a model of the system in advance of training on it. A subsidiary goal was to examine the nature of mental models so that we could better understand how to construct useful ones. A third goal was to examine the principles that govern optimal sequencing of instructions when subjects learn command languages associated with such systems as text editors. Novices were provided with either a surrogate model for learning text editing, two versions of learning manual syntax, or two versions of manual organization. Results showed no effects due to surrogate models, but significant improvements in learning due either to more concrete learning model syntax, or a layered manual organization. Contradictory effects on training transfer were found.