An Information Processing Approach to the Study of Data Entry Skills: The Effects of Representation Rules and Coordination Requirements.
Abstract
Current models of complex psychomotor skills conceptualize the generation of skilled movements as being governed by high level motor programs or schemas in long term memory that are developed with practice. In the present study we examined the nature and role of such high level representations in the context of the acquisition and operation of a complex transcription skill. More specifically, we investigated the importance of the rule employed to associate letters with their motor productions in a typing skill based upon a newly designed two hand chord keyboard. This keyboard comprises two, separate, 5-key panels (one for each hand). A letter on each panel is entered by typing a motor chord composed of one to five fingers pressed together. Each panel is capable of producing the full set of the alphabet, and hence in principle constitutes an independent typewriter. If skilled transcription can be performed in parallel, operators can type two independent texts simultaneously on this system. The present experiment compared performance and learning using three coding principles to map letters to fingers on the two panels: (a) Spatial-key arrangement, (b) Hand symmetry, and (c) Combination of the two (correspondence in terms of both principles is preserved if the panels are tilted upright to a vertical position). Key words included: Data entry skills, typing behavior, two-hand coordination, perceptual-motor skills, motor behavior, chord keyboards, representation of action plans, cognitive psychophysiology, and ERP (Event-related brain potentials).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA150295
Entities
People
- D. Gopher
- D. Karis
- E. Donchin
- W. Koenig
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign