SAM -- A Configurable Experimental Text Editor for Investigating Human Factors Issues in Text Processing and Understanding

摘要

There are numerous behavioral issues involving human-machine communications that are exemplified by text editing applications. Examples include scanning mechanisms and information location techniques, command language design, effect of language syntax on productivity and accuracy, and the relationship of syntax to the user task model. In general, there exist little data to support design goals, and in order to formulate studies of these issues, a flexible text editing system is required. This report describes SAM, a reasonably sophisticated text editor that has table driven command language and syntax that allows reasonably easy reconfiguration for special experiments. In particular, it is straightforward to insert the metering procedures required to measure specific aspects of human performance. (Author)