Shows how cognitive psychology can provide guidelines to design computer systems that are easy to use, based on the assumption that prior knowledge of the real world and natural language affect users' attitudes toward the computer. Concludes that human-computer communication is facilitated when the system is consistent with this knowledge.…

This report incorporates a literature review, a workshop paper, and discussion by workshop participants on the current status of research on what the users of computer systems know, and how these different forms of knowledge fit together in learning and performance. It is noted that such research is important to the problem of designing systems…

Examines the role of human information processing and decision-making capabilities and limitations in the design of effective human-computer interfaces. Several cognitive engineering principles that should guide the design process are outlined. (48 references) (Author/CLB)

Human factors engineering can be defined as the application of scientific principles, methods, and data drawn from a variety of disciplines to the development of engineering systems in which people play a significant role. Since human factors issues arise in every domain in which humans interact with the products of a technological society, six…

Different aspects of human-machine interaction are discussed in the five brief papers that comprise this report. The first paper, "Some Observations on Mental Models," discusses the role of a person's mental model in the interaction with systems. The second paper, "A Psychologist Views Human Processing: Human Errors and Other…

Individual papers discussing various facets of human relationships with interactive computer systems present an analysis of direct manipulation interfaces; discuss notion of conceptual models shared by system and user and propose a design methodology for delivering models to users; and address the intelligibility of systems and importance of…

From dynamic spreadsheets through "microworlds" to virtual reality, the convenience and, in many instances, the seemingly intrinsic appeal of simulated environments exist in some tension alongside concerns regarding the relationship of the simulated to the "real" and the possible consequences for human thought, learning, and behavior. A selection…

Project CREATE was a 4-year federally funded research program which sought to determine ways in which computer technology could improve the education of learning-disabled students. Early work on the project centered on the development of a theoretical and conceptual foundation; a hierarchical conceptual model was constructed that related school…

The project objective has been to determine what creative thought processes can best take advantage of new technology in computer hardware and software. The plan has been to acquire or develop on-line computer systems of significant mathematical power, and to explore their use in vivo in teaching and research situations. The main product of…

This paper provides an overview of past research on training employees for computer-mediated work. Recent literature is reviewed and critically analyzed using a four-part framework of individual differences and skill acquisition: sociodemographic factors, abilities and motivation, task constraints, and the man-technology interface. Furthermore, a…

In man-computer communication, the computer responds only as it is programed to respond. A human's response is more complicated because it depends on the "pre-programed" ways that humans process information. The three functions a man performs on received information are conservation (in which messages are retained whole), reduction (in which…

Research in human computer interaction and instructional design can provide insights into effective methods for training microcomputer users. Suggestions include utilizing error recognition and recovery, development of mental models, simplification of documentation, and using cognitive approaches that allow transfer of knowledge to new situations.…