Effective Methodology for the Study of Human/Computer Interaction
Published in November 1989
Book
Hardback
382 pages
978-0-444-88447-3 (ISBN)
Description
In recent years human computer interaction (HCI) has become more empirical and less given to a priori speculation. However it is clear that it is difficult to select appropriate and effective methodologies within this empirical approach. The basic essentials which are needed are: - terminologies, or ways of talking about users and computer systems - a framework in which the selection of appropriate methods can be understood and critiqued - ways of evaluating the results of empirical studies This book introduces the reader to these three areas and lays the foundations for effective methodology. Experienced practitioners and trainees alike will find this book of interest.
In recent years human computer interaction (HCI) has become more empirical and less given to a priori speculation. However it is clear that it is difficult to select appropriate and effective methodologies within this empirical approach. The basic essentials which are needed are: - terminologies, or ways of talking about users and computer systems - a framework in which the selection of appropriate methods can be understood and critiqued - ways of evaluating the results of empirical studies This book introduces the reader to these three areas and lays the foundations for effective methodology. Experienced practitioners and trainees alike will find this book of interest.
In recent years human computer interaction (HCI) has become more empirical and less given to a priori speculation. However it is clear that it is difficult to select appropriate and effective methodologies within this empirical approach. The basic essentials which are needed are: - terminologies, or ways of talking about users and computer systems - a framework in which the selection of appropriate methods can be understood and critiqued - ways of evaluating the results of empirical studies This book introduces the reader to these three areas and lays the foundations for effective methodology. Experienced practitioners and trainees alike will find this book of interest.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Elsevier Science & Technology
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 220 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-444-88447-3 (9780444884473)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Part 1: The Problem of Methodology. What is Effective Methodology? The scope of the problem. Conceptualisation of the Human Computer Interface. The user-as-a-program approach. The front-end approach. The layered model approach. Towards a characterisation of the user interface. Why evaluate with users? An informed choice of methods. Determining what is to be compared. Selecting the evaluation procedure. Allocating subjects to conditions in a study. The dependent variable. Evaluating the results. Conclusions so far. Part 2: Conceptualising the Interface. Studying the User. Components of categorisation. Categorisation in HCI. Review of user typologies. Synthesis of traditional typologies. User typologies and development. The incremental model. The stage model. The convenience model. Consequences. The impact of motivation. Motivation theories. Maslow's hierarchy of motives. Bandura's self efficacy theory. Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory. Vroom's expectancy theory. Integrating motivation theories. General motivation theories. Relevant cognitive dimensions. Reasoning strategies. Learning with an interface. Interface style requirement. Motivational and attitudinal factors. Psychometric tools. Attitude scales. Locus of control. Other personality measures. Cognitive measures. Aptitude tests. User to Interface. Systems independent user modelling. A perceptual analysis of the interface. In favour of Gibson. Gibson's approach and the user interface. Dimensions of operability in interface design. Operability characteristics. Visibility. Manipulability. Natural language interfaces. Wordiness. Flexible interfaces. Users learn. Users differ. Users reflect on their knowledge. Properties of flexible interfaces. Adaptive and adaptable interfaces. The need for a notation. Notating for adaptability. Approaches to notation. Networks as notations. Grammars as notation. Production systems as notations. Part 3: Informed Choices. Structural Framework. Humans adapt spontaneously. Observation as method. Defining the observational method. Limiting the amount of information to be collected. Objective record. Time scores. Correctness and error scores. Help data. Key stroke logs. Physiologically based records. Subjects observations about themselves. Concurrent verbalisations. Retrospective verbalisations. Role play methods. Observer's record. Stability and replicability. Classification of errors. Observation sessions must be planned. Objectivity of observation and analysis. Describing appropriate units. Categorising units unambiguously. Verbal systems. Nominal systems. Distinctive feature systems. Category systems. Dimensional systems. Structural systems. Towards an Informed Choice of Method. Determining what is to be measured (hypothesis generation). Selecting the evaluation procedure. Naturalistic approach. Quasi-naturalistic approach. Experimental approach. Allocating subjects to conditions in a study. Independent subjects, latin squares. Repeated measures.