CH. 4 Cognitive Mental Models

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Questions and Answers

What did Weller (2004) find about locating items for information?

Grouping information with borders took less time than using color contrast. (correct)

Using color contrast was more effective than borders.

Fonts have a greater effect than borders in finding information.

Too much white space improves locating information.

Sensory memory can last up to 10-15 seconds.

False (B)

What is the main reason why interfaces are largely visual?

We recognize things much better than being able to recall them.

Miller's Magic Number for short-term memory capacity is _____ ± 2.

7 Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of memory with its duration:

Sensory Memory = Less than 1 second Short-term Memory = 10-15 seconds Long-term Memory = Years Working Memory = Temporary processing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cognitive aspects is most relevant to interaction design?

Memory (B), Attention (C) Signup and view all the answers

Cluttering the interface enhances user attention and perception.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause identified for the difference in search times between the two screens in Tullis's study?

Spacing of information Signup and view all the answers

The cognitive process involved in focusing on relevant information from numerous stimuli is called ______.

attention Signup and view all the answers

Match the following design techniques with their intended effects:

Salience = Draws attention to important information Animation = Makes information dynamic and engaging Spacing = Improves readability and searchability Underlining = Highlights key text or links Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of Human Factors primarily focus on?

Designing systems that accommodate human operators (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Human Factors psychology in relation to technology?

Studying human behavior in the context of design (A) Signup and view all the answers

Human Factors encompasses both behavioral and non-behavioral variables in its study.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive load refers to the amount of information the brain can handle at one time.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'cognition' in the context of Human-Computer Interaction?

Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding, particularly how users process information during interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What are two cognitive issues that must be considered in Human Factors?

Memory and attention capacity Signup and view all the answers

The study of how humans accomplish work-related tasks in the context of __________ is known as Human Factors.

human-machine system operation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cognitive concepts with their definitions:

Mental models = User's internal representation of how a system works Theory of action = A framework for how behavior is guided by intention Information processing = The approach to understanding how humans analyze and interpret data Distributed cognition = The idea that cognitive processes are shared across individuals and tools Signup and view all the answers

___ applies principles of Cognitive Psychology to enhance user interaction with technology.

Human Factors Signup and view all the answers

Match the cognitive issues to their descriptions:

Memory = Span and storage capacity Attention = Capacity for selective and divided focus Problem solving = Ability to find solutions to challenges Language comprehension = Understanding spoken or written language Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Computer Interaction: Cognition and Mental Models

Human-computer interaction (HCI) encompasses the human aspects of designing computer applications and hardware, focusing on effective interaction between humans and computers.
HCI considers human capabilities and limitations to create intuitive and accessible designs.
Understanding how people process information (cognition) plays a vital role in designing effective interfaces.
Everyday frustrations with software highlight the importance of understanding user needs.
Studying how people think and behave helps designers craft more user-friendly systems.
Human factors study examines human behavior in the context of technology; it differs from experimental psychology, which studies human behavior in general, by focusing on how humans interact with technology.
Human factors (ergonomics) combines insights from engineering, psychology, and physiology & medicine.
HCI incorporates user considerations in tools, which means considering user perception, cognitive limitations, and ways of interacting with various technological systems (e.g. computer applications & hardware).
Color, organization, and spacing are critical for user attention and perception in interface design.
Perceptible aspects of an interface (e.g. legible text, icons) are crucial to good design.
Memory, both short-term and long-term, significantly impacts how efficiently people use a technology.
Encoding, or interpreting information, is the first stage of memory processing. The more attention paid to something, and the more it's processed intellectually, means the more likely it is to be remembered.
Immediate memory capacity is limited (Miller's Magic Number 7 ± 2).
Design should facilitate recognition instead of having to recall details.
Mental models of a system are developed through learning and use—these include knowledge of how to use a system, process information, and handle unfamiliar situations.
Users apply mental models to every day situations, such as operating a thermostat to heat a house or using an ATM to withdraw money.
Users can sometimes hold erroneous mental models that impact their experience with a product (e.g. thinking a thermostat is like a valve).
Norman's (1986) seven-stage model of action describes a structured way of implementing an activity.
Cognitive user modeling attempts to predict how a user will interact with an interface based on their cognitive characteristics and knowledge.
Modeling aspects of a user's cognition, knowledge, intentions, and processing is crucial for predicting user interaction.
Models can range in specificity, from high-level plans and problems to basic user actions like keystrokes.
Different modeling approaches exist, including models based on human info processing.
Externalizing potentially complex functions or memory requirements to the environment can reduce a user's memory load (e.g. external calendars, notes, etc).

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Description

This quiz explores the principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on cognition and mental models. It emphasizes the significance of understanding user behavior and mental processes in designing effective and intuitive computer interfaces. Dive into the relationship between human capabilities, ergonomics, and the design of technology to enhance user experience.