Abstract
The ability of computer users to specify problem solutions by means of example solutions was investigated as a function of the user's background and experience, and various levels of processor and problem complexity. Two participant groups (programmers and bookkeepers/accountants) working with three levels of problem complexity and processor complexity were used. The experiment task required specification of a ship selection logic for a Navy Task Force.
The results showed that specification of problem solutions by example solutions led to a low rate of errors of commission. Further, the rate of errors of omission was significantly affected by the degree of generalization of the example inputs by the automatic processor. The results also suggested that the combinatorial strategy used in developing the example solutions may be a significant factor in the generation of accurate problem solution specifications.
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