A Comparative Study of How Experts and Novices Use a Decision Aid to Solve Problems in Complex Knowledge Domains

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Mackay, Jane M.; Elam, Joyce J.
• 署名单位: Texas Christian University; State University System of Florida; Florida International University
• 刊物名称: INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1047-7047
• DOI: 10.1287/isre.3.2.150
• 发表日期: 1992
• 页码: 150-172
• 关键词: debugging computer-programs; process tracing methods; verbal protocol; cognitive fit; MODEL; categorization; perception

摘要

This paper reports the results of a study that examined the way that professionals used a particular decision aid, spreadsheet software, to address a business -oriented task. The professionals were divided into four groups, depending on whether they were experts or novices in the functional area of business represented by the task and on whether they were experts or novices in the use of spreadsheet software. The physical interactions as well as the thought processes underlying these interactions were captured. Results of the study indicated that a lack of expertise in spreadsheet software usage inhibited the application of functional area knowledge. The behavior and outcomes of the functional area expert/spreadsheet novice group did not match those of the functional area expert/spreadsheet expert group. In fact, they paralleled more closely those of the other two groups that did not possess functional area knowledge. Results of the study also indicated that individuals need to obtain a level of expertise in using a decision aid before they are able to apply their functional area knowledge to the problem at hand.