Cognitive abilities predict performance in everyday computer tasks

IF 5.3 2区计算机科学 Q1 COMPUTER SCIENCE, CYBERNETICS

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies Pub Date : 2024-08-16 DOI:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2024.103354

Erik Lintunen , Viljami Salmela , Petri Jarre , Tuukka Heikkinen , Markku Kilpeläinen , Markus Jokela , Antti Oulasvirta

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Fluency with computer applications has assumed a crucial role in work-related and other day-to-day activities. While prior experience is known to predict performance in tasks involving computers, the effects of more stable factors like cognitive abilities remain unclear. Here, we report findings from a controlled study ( $N = 88$ ) covering a wide spectrum of commonplace applications, from spreadsheets to video conferencing. Our main result is that cognitive abilities exert a significant, independent, and broad-based effect on computer users’ performance. In particular, users with high working memory, executive control, and perceptual reasoning ability complete tasks more quickly and with greater success while experiencing lower mental load. Remarkably, these effects are similar to or even larger in magnitude than the effects of prior experience in using computers and in completing tasks similar to those encountered in our study. However, the effects are varying and application-specific. We discuss the role that user interface design bears on decreasing ability-related differences, alongside benefits this could yield for functioning in society.

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认知能力可预测日常计算机任务的表现

在与工作有关的活动和其他日常活动中，计算机应用的流畅性已占据了至关重要的地位。众所周知，先前的经验可以预测计算机任务中的表现，但认知能力等更稳定因素的影响仍不明确。在此，我们报告了一项对照研究（N=88）的结果，该研究涵盖了从电子表格到视频会议等多种常用应用程序。我们的主要结果是，认知能力对计算机用户的表现具有显著、独立和广泛的影响。特别是，工作记忆、执行控制和感知推理能力强的用户完成任务的速度更快，成功率更高，同时心理负担更低。值得注意的是，这些影响的程度与先前使用计算机和完成与我们研究中类似任务的经验所产生的影响相似，甚至更大。然而，这些效应是各不相同的，而且是针对特定应用的。我们讨论了用户界面设计在减少与能力有关的差异方面所起的作用，以及这种作用可能给社会功能带来的益处。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 工程技术-计算机：控制论

CiteScore

11.50

自引率

5.60%

发文量

108

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Human-Computer Studies publishes original research over the whole spectrum of work relevant to the theory and practice of innovative interactive systems. The journal is inherently interdisciplinary, covering research in computing, artificial intelligence, psychology, linguistics, communication, design, engineering, and social organization, which is relevant to the design, analysis, evaluation and application of innovative interactive systems. Papers at the boundaries of these disciplines are especially welcome, as it is our view that interdisciplinary approaches are needed for producing theoretical insights in this complex area and for effective deployment of innovative technologies in concrete user communities. Research areas relevant to the journal include, but are not limited to: • Innovative interaction techniques • Multimodal interaction • Speech interaction • Graphic interaction • Natural language interaction • Interaction in mobile and embedded systems • Interface design and evaluation methodologies • Design and evaluation of innovative interactive systems • User interface prototyping and management systems • Ubiquitous computing • Wearable computers • Pervasive computing • Affective computing • Empirical studies of user behaviour • Empirical studies of programming and software engineering • Computer supported cooperative work • Computer mediated communication • Virtual reality • Mixed and augmented Reality • Intelligent user interfaces • Presence ...