Paper Info
Title
A dual-space model of iteratively deepening exploratory learning
Abstract
When users of interactive computers must work with new software without formal training, they rely on strategies for “exploratory learning”. These include trial and error, asking for help from other users, and looking for information in printed and on-line documentation. This paper describes a cognitive model of exploratory learning, which covers both trial-and-error and instruction-taking activities. The model, implemented in Soar, is grounded in empirical data of subjects in a task-oriented, trial-and-error exploratory learning situation. A key empirical finding reflected in the model is the repeated scanning of a subset of the available menu items, with increased attention to items on each successive scan. This is explained in terms of dual search spaces, the external interface and the user's internal knowledge, both of which must be tentatively explored with attention to changing costs and benefits. The model implements this dual-space search by alternating between external scanning and internal comprehension, a strategy that gradually shifts its focus to a potentially productive route through an interface. Ways in which interfaces might be designed to capitalize on this behaviour are suggested. The research demonstrates how cognitive modelling can describe behaviour of the kind discussed by theories of “situated cognition”.
Year
DOI
Venue
1996
10.1006/ijhc.1996.0032
Int. J. Hum.-Comput. Stud.
Keywords
Field
DocType
dual-space model,exploratory learning,cognitive model,costs and benefits,dual space,situated cognition,search space
Situated cognition,Trial and error,Computer science,Human–computer interaction,Cognitive model,Soar,Documentation,User interface,Cognition,Comprehension
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
44
6
1071-5819
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
28
3.99
6
Authors
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
John Rieman1705150.19
Richard M. Young2829274.48
Andrew Howes345249.44