The Effects of Conceptual Consistency on the End User’s Mental Models of Multiple Applications

The Effects of Conceptual Consistency on the End User’s Mental Models of Multiple Applications

John W. Satzinger
Copyright: © 1998 |Pages: 13
DOI: 10.4018/joeuc.1998070101
OnDemand:
(Individual Articles)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

Consistent user interfaces across applications are thought to facilitate ease of learning and use because a user can draw on existing knowledge when learning any new computer application. Although empirical research has confirmed that transfer of learning occurs when procedural rules for multiple applications are consistent, no research has been reported that examines the effects of consistent versus inconsistent conceptual models across applications on the accuracy of the user’s mental models of the applications. Applications from a variety of sources available to an end user might conform to interface standards for their “look” and “feel;” however, consistent conceptual models across applications (conceptual consistency) are still not assured. This paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment that tested the effects of conceptual consistency across applications on user knowledge, performance, and satisfaction when two integrated cooperative work applications were learned and used by student participants. No differences in performance or satisfaction were found; however, participants learning the inconsistent applications formed more accurate mental models of the applications. Schema theory is used to explain the results, and some implications when users initially learn multiple applications are discussed.

Complete Article List

Search this Journal:
Reset
Volume 36: 1 Issue (2024)
Volume 35: 3 Issues (2023)
Volume 34: 10 Issues (2022)
Volume 33: 6 Issues (2021)
Volume 32: 4 Issues (2020)
Volume 31: 4 Issues (2019)
Volume 30: 4 Issues (2018)
Volume 29: 4 Issues (2017)
Volume 28: 4 Issues (2016)
Volume 27: 4 Issues (2015)
Volume 26: 4 Issues (2014)
Volume 25: 4 Issues (2013)
Volume 24: 4 Issues (2012)
Volume 23: 4 Issues (2011)
Volume 22: 4 Issues (2010)
Volume 21: 4 Issues (2009)
Volume 20: 4 Issues (2008)
Volume 19: 4 Issues (2007)
Volume 18: 4 Issues (2006)
Volume 17: 4 Issues (2005)
Volume 16: 4 Issues (2004)
Volume 15: 4 Issues (2003)
Volume 14: 4 Issues (2002)
Volume 13: 4 Issues (2001)
Volume 12: 4 Issues (2000)
Volume 11: 4 Issues (1999)
Volume 10: 4 Issues (1998)
Volume 9: 4 Issues (1997)
Volume 8: 4 Issues (1996)
Volume 7: 4 Issues (1995)
Volume 6: 4 Issues (1994)
Volume 5: 4 Issues (1993)
Volume 4: 4 Issues (1992)
Volume 3: 4 Issues (1991)
Volume 2: 4 Issues (1990)
Volume 1: 3 Issues (1989)
View Complete Journal Contents Listing