Cognitive Factors in User/Expert System Interaction,

Abstract

A cognitive theory of user/expert system interaction is proposed that relates the quality of cooperative problem solving with an expert system to: (1) cognitive consistency, the degree of consistency between the rule-based system and the user's problem solving processes; and (2) mental model, the user's conceptual understanding of the basic principle of the system's problem solving processes. An experimental study is described that strongly supports the theoretical prediction. In particular, the results support the prediction that for users with an accurate mental model, increasing cognitive consistency significantly decreases user/expert system problem solving performance. Users not possessing an accurate mental model reach higher performance when utilizing cognitive consistent procedures. The practical implications of this theory are briefly discussed. Keywords: Expert systems, Human factors, Man/machine interface, Mental models, Cognitive consistency.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA165270

Entities

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  • Deborah A. Zirk
  • Paul E. Lehner

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  • Biomedical
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  • Air Force
  • Applied Psychology
  • Command And Control
  • Computers
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  • Expert Systems
  • Human Factors Engineering
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