Abstract
The relative efficacy in learning to use different option selection techniques in menu driven programs was evaluated via response time to identical menus, requiring selection of an option out of 2 to 9 alternatives. Negatively accelerating exponential learning functions were obtained for the use of a pointer to note the selected option, keying the number of the option and keying a meaningful letter code (initial) of the option selected. Statistically and practically significant advantage was shown for the letter code, in particular when the number of options was greater than 5. Effects of practice with menu driven programs in general vs. familiarity with a specific program were also demonstrated.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.