The Role of a Mental Model in Learning to Operate a Device*

Kieras, David E.; Bovair, Susan

doi:10.1207/s15516709cog0803_3

Cited by 368 publications

(184 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Similarly, such a mental model may allow users to backtrack more easily if the user gets lost within the system. Previous research has clearly demonstrated the benefits to performance of having such models (e.g., Kieras & Bovair, 1984). However, the need to create and use system representations may place demands on spatial ability (Gilbert & Rogers, 1999), which may be problematic for older adults.…”

Section: Nih-pa Author Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of spatial abilities and age in performance in an auditory computer navigation task

Pak

Czaja

Rogers

et al. 2008

Computers in Human Behavior

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Age-related differences in spatial ability have been suggested as a mediator of age-related differences in computer-based task performance. However, the vast majority of tasks studied have primarily used a visual display (e.g., graphical user interfaces). In the current study, the relationship between spatial ability and performance in a non-visual computer-based navigation task was examined in a sample of 196 participants ranging in age from 18 to 91. Participants called into a simulated interactive voice response system and carried out a variety of transactions. They also completed measures of attention, working memory, and spatial abilities. The results showed that age-related differences in spatial ability predicted a significant amount of variance in performance in the non-visual computer task, even after controlling for other abilities. Understanding the abilities that influence performance with technology may provide insight into the source of age-related performance differences in the successful use of technology. Keywordsinteractive voice response systems; aging; cognitive abilities; interface In light of evidence that cognitive abilities play an important role in the performance of everyday activities (e.g., Diehl, Willis, & Schaie, 1995), researchers have attempted to identify and measure the influence of cognitive abilities on a wide variety of activities (e.g., Czaja et al., 2006;Kelley & Charness, 1995;Sharit, Czaja, Nair, & Lee, 2003). One such ability, spatial ability, has been shown to be predictive of performance on a wide variety of everyday tasks such as way finding, map reading and computer tasks such as text-editing, spreadsheet usage, map-and computer-based information search tasks, even when other more general ability factors are controlled (for a review, see Pak, Rogers, & Fisk, 2006). Spatial ability is generally defined as the ability to perceive and transform visual patterns (Ekstrom, French, Harman, & Dermen, 1976). In studies examining spatial ability and computer-based information search, measures of spatial ability (e.g., paper folding, cube comparison) show significant relationships © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Corresponding author: Richard Pak, richpak@clemson.edu, tel: (864) 656-1584, fax: (864) 656-0358. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. NIH Public Access NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript with measures such as task completion time and error rates. However, a question that arises is whether the relationship between spatial ability and computer-based task performan...

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Section: Nih-pa Author Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of spatial abilities and age in performance in an auditory computer navigation task

Pak

Czaja

Rogers

et al. 2008

Computers in Human Behavior

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“…Kieras & Bovair (1984) adopted this terminology to describe a mental model held by a user of how a device works. It includes a set of conceptual entities and their interrelationships (Payne , 1990).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Norman (1986) emphasises that the appropriateness of the user's underlying model of a system is essential when troubleshooting, as the user is able to derive possible courses of action and possible system responses. Kieras & Bovair (1984) concluded that for very simple devices or procedures, there will be little value in providing a device model to users. Manktelow and jones (1987) warn that systematic errors may result from an inappropriately simple mental model.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case studies of mental models in home heat control: Searching for feedback, valve, timer and switch theories

Revell

Stanton

2014

Applied Ergonomics

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An intergroup case study was undertaken to determine if: 1) There exist distinct mental models of home heating function, that differ significantly from the actual functioning of UK heating systems; and 2) Mental models of thermostat function can be categorized according to Kempton's (1986) valve and feedback shared theories, and others from the literature. Distinct, inaccurate mental models of the heating system, as well as thermostat devices in isolation, were described. It was possible to categorise thermostat models by Kempton's (1986) feedback shared theory, but other theories proved ambiguous. Alternate control devices could be categorized by Timer (Norman, 2002) and Switch (Peffer et al., 2011) theories. The need to consider the mental models of the heating system in terms of an integrated set of control devices, and to consider user's goals and expectations of the system benefit, was highlighted. The value of discovering shared theories, and understanding user mental models, of home heating, are discussed with reference to their present day relevance for reducing energy consumption.

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“…In particular, visual aids are directly able to facilitate internal mental imagery that can enable the attainment of task-related goals (e.g. Kieras and Bovair 1984).…”

Section: The Interconnections Between Mental Representationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Device Model A device model is an individual's understanding of how a device works in terms of its internal structure and processes (Kieras and Bovair 1984). Spatial Visualisation Spatial visualisation is described as a type of representation that can be used to solve mechanical problems (Hegarty et al 2003).…”

Section: Termmentioning

confidence: 99%

Internal representations, external representations and ergonomics: towards a theoretical integration

Richardson

Ball

2009

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science

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Ergonomics is concerned with how humans interact with systems to perform tasks that achieve goals. This interaction requires thought processes that construct and manipulate mental representations of situations to enable the selection of task-oriented actions having predicted outcomes. The argument for a link between concepts of mental representation and the concerns of ergonomists is a critical theme in the present review, which assesses the current state of knowledge regarding the nature of mental representations and the way in which they are deployed to enable effective system interaction. Other issues that we tackle head on include: (1) the vast range of existing terminology that underpins discussions about representational constructs; (2) the important role of memory in understanding mental representation; and (3) the tight coupling between external and internal representations during task performance. We conclude by proposing a novel, explanatory framework that aims to integrate disparate notions of mental and external representation.

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The Role of a Mental Model in Learning to Operate a Device*

Cited by 368 publications

References 3 publications

The role of spatial abilities and age in performance in an auditory computer navigation task

The role of spatial abilities and age in performance in an auditory computer navigation task

Case studies of mental models in home heat control: Searching for feedback, valve, timer and switch theories

Internal representations, external representations and ergonomics: towards a theoretical integration

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