CAT: A tool for eliciting knowledge on how to perform procedures

    Authors

    K. E. Williams; E. Hultman;A. C. Graesser

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Behav. Res. Methods Instr. Comput.

    Keywords

    MEMORY; Psychology, Mathematical; Psychology, Experimental

    Abstract

    Procedural tasks involve context-sensitive sequences of actions that are performed in pursuit of goals. Procedural knowledge specifies how to do something (e.g., repairing a car) but not how the physical system works (e.g., how the engine works). We have developed a computer program that elicits procedural knowledge from individuals with varying amounts of domain knowledge (ranging from novices to experts) and varying amounts of computer literacy. The tool is called CAT (cognitive analysis tool). CAT is an extension of a class of cognitive models known as GOMS, which stands for goals, operators, methods, and selection rules. The tool guides the user in articulating the goals (and subgoals) the user wants to accomplish, the operators (actions, steps) to accomplish each goal, the alternative methods of accomplishing goals, the conditions in which each method is applied, and exceptional circumstances when goals are suspended and restarted. CAT can be used on most IBM-compatible microcomputers.

    Journal Title

    Behavior Research Methods Instruments & Computers

    Volume

    30

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-1998

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    565

    Last Page

    572

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000077781200002

    ISSN

    0743-3808

    Share

    COinS