Applying abstraction to master complexity

  • Authors:

  • Jonathan H. Hill;Bernice J. Houle;Susan M. Merritt;Allen Stix

  • Affiliations:

  • Pace University, New York, NY, USA;Pace University, New York, NY, USA;Pace University, New York, NY, USA;Pace University, New York, NY, USA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2nd international workshop on The role of abstraction in software engineering
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

Aptitude for managing abstraction may be a distinguishing characteristic of computer science majors. If this is so, and if this aptitude can be recognized among potential majors, those who are well suited for computer science but have not considered it as a major can be made aware of the possibility. Abstraction, as a human ability, is comprised of two complementary aspects: clearing away details to build simplifications and deriving generalizations that illuminate essentials. Agreement exists that this ability may be nurtured through instruction and experience, but that it rests upon a natural aptitude that is possessed by few. Agreement exists that this natural aptitude is assessable, although no instrument yet exists for measuring it efficiently among prospective computer science majors who have not begun computer science coursework. This paper deals with a study done at New York's Pace University to test undergraduate students across a range of majors for abstraction ability