Modeling the Human Operator in Computer-Based Data Entry

Abstract

Meaningful human factors applications to the design of human-computer tasks require a quantitative data base that describes operator behavior as a function of various independent variables. Three classes of metrics (operator satisfaction ratings, work-sampling procedures, and embedded performance measurement) are described as important measures in evaluating a human-computer interface used to enter and update personnel records. Polynomial regression procedures were used to generate functional relationships between each of these metrics and four independent variables representing system delay, display rate, keyboard echo rate, and keyboard buffer length. Each of the 22 separate dependent variables showed different functional relationships among the four systems variables, but overall system delay and keyboard echo rate were the major determiners of operator behavior. Additionally, the three classes of metrics were combined into three underlying interface dimensions relating to operator production, waiting, and planning activities.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bitzer, D. L. , and Johnson, R. L. : PLATO: A computer-based system used in the engineering of education. Proceedings of IEEE, 1971, 59, 960–968.

Carbonell, J. R. , Elkind, J. I. , and Nickerson, R. S. On the psychological importance of time in a time sharing system. Human Factors, 1968, 70, 135–142.

Clark, C. , and Williges, R. C. Response surface methodology central-composite design modifications for human performance research. Human Factors, 1973, 15, 295–310.

Engel, S. E. , and Granda, R. E. Guidelines for man/display interfaces. Poughkeepsie, NY: IBM, TR 00.2720, December, 1975.

Finkelman, J. M. , Wolf, E. H. , and Friend, M. A. Polynomial regression analysis as an alternative to ANOVA for data characterized by lower-order trends. Human Factors, 1977, 19, 279–281.

Grossberg, M. , Wiesen, R. A. , and Yntema, D. B. An experiment on problem solving with delayed computer responses. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, March, 1976, 219–222.

Hoecker, D. G. , and Pew, R. W. A quantitative comparison of SSA interviewing activities with and without computer assistance. In C. K. Bensel (Ed.) Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 23rd Annual Meeting. Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors Society, October, 1979, 581–585.

Mason, L. H. , Evans, J. E. , and Beatty, W. F. Generic data transaction system: Version 2 user's guide. Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Technical Report HFL-79–4/NPRDC-79–3, August, 1979.

Miller, L. H. A study of man-machine interaction. Proceedings of the National Computer Conference. Montvale, NJ: AFIPS Press, 1977, 409–421.

10.

Miller, R. B. Response time in man-computer conversational transactions. Proceedings of the Spring Computer Conference. Montvale, NJ: AFIPS Press, 1968, 268–277.

11.

Morfield, M. A. Wiesen, R. A. , Grossberg, M. , and Yntema, D. B. Initial experiments on the effect of system delay on on-line problem solving. Lexington, MA: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Technical Note 1969–5, ESN-TR-158, June, 1969.

12.

Williges, R. C. Research note: Modified orthogonal central-composite designs. Human Factors, 1976, 18, 95–97.

13.

Williges, R. C. Automation of performance assessment. San Diego, CA: Navy Personnel Research and Development Center, Symposium proceedings: Productivity enhancement: Personnel performance assessment in Navy systems. October, 1977, 153–168.

14.

Williges, R. C. Development and use of research methodologies for complex system/simulation experimentation. In M. J. Moraal and K.-F. Kraiss (Eds.) Manned systems design. New York: Plenum, 1981, 59–87.