Title

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

Authors

Authors

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

Comments

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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

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