Jon A. Turner

Software Ergonomics: Effects of Computer Application Design Parameters on Operator Task Performance and Health

Evidence is reviewed that the operating characteristics ofcomputer application systems, in addition to physical characteristicsof display units (CRTs), are the cause of many observed effects onoperator health and task effectiveness. These effects arehypothesized to occur through changes in task structure, and theman-machine redivision of labor that results when computer applicationsystems are introduced into work settings. First, the associationbetween task dimensions and models of operator performanceeffectiveness and well-being are reviewed. Second, application systemdesign parameters that affect task structure are identified. Then,empirical evidence supporting this three part causal linkage -application system parameters to task characteristics to operatoreffectiveness and health - is presented.The findings suggest that by improving dialogue quality, takingadvantage of two way communication to reduce uncertainty, usingsmaller and less integrated systems and matching system performance tooperator needs a job can be created that is likely to improve bothoperator well-being and effectiveness.

Natural language for database queries: a laboratory study

Are natural language systems for database queries meeting their goals, and are these goals appropriate? The recently completed Advanced Language Project at New York University combined a field experiment with two laboratory studies to examine these issues by comparing performance between subjects using the formal database language SQL and subjects using the prototype natural language system, USL. This article describes the design and results of the larger laboratory experiment. The results presented offer some promise for the usability of natural language under certain conditions.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF BEHAVIORAL MODELS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

Much of the gap between the potential of InformationSystems and their realization can be explained by behavioral andorganizational issues. This paper outlines the scope of behavioralresearch in information systems using selected examples, identifiesseveral principles underlying this work, and suggests reasons whythe results of this research are of value.

The management of information systems occupations: A research agenda

It is accepted, generally, that Information Systems (IS) personnel have specific needs and present a unique set of problems for management. This position is challenged. It is our contention that IS personnel exhibit relatively few differences when compared with other, similar, occupational groupings. This does not imply, however, that the unique aspects of IS work are unimportant, or that attention need not be focused on understanding the determinants of particular behavioral outcomes. Rather, it suggests, that the effective management of the IS human resource may well rest more on general management practices than is commonly believed.This paper identifies managerial complaints about IS personnel and provides a summary of research findings. A model, based on accepted principles of worker behavior, intended to integrate much of the previous work, is presented. The IS staff is classified into categories and propositions about each are developed. Specific research questions are formulated which, when answered, will provide more insight into the unique aspects of IS work and will identify managerial strategies for improving employee performance and well being.

Coupling field studies with laboratory experiments for the evaluation of computer languages

Most evaluations of computer languages have used laboratory experiments as the basis of their research design [ll. While much has been learned from these studies, they all suffer from a number of defects including unrealistic subject populations, a narrow focus, a lack of strength of the independent variables and artificiality of the experimental situation. In order to overcome these limitations in research design, the Advanced Language Project (ALP) at NYU combined laboratory experiments with a field study, in a coordinated manner, to investigate the practicality of using natural language for data base access.

Requirements for Developing Natural Language Query Applications

The use of a “natural language” (for example, English) for direct interaction with databases, promises to broaden the market and the scope of computer utilization.(9,16,20,24) Technical feasibility has been demonstrated by the large number of experimental systems and the commercial availability of at least one such system. Yet there are many who voice concern as to the usability of natural languages for database querying by emphasizing the inherent dangers from its ambiguity.(17)