The phenotype of erroneous actions
International Journal of Man-Machine Studies
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
Novice programmer errors: language constructs and plan composition
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
A dual-space model of iteratively deepening exploratory learning
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies - Special issue: the role of cognitive science in human-computer interaction
Dynamic learning patterns: temporal characteristics demonstrated by the learner
Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia
The Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction
The Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction
User Centered System Design; New Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction
User Centered System Design; New Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction
Blending Descriptive and Numeric Analysis in Human Reliability Design
DSV-IS '02 Proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Interactive Systems. Design, Specification, and Verification
Long-term working memory and interrupting messages in human-computer interaction
Behaviour & Information Technology
Improving user-interface dependability through mitigation of human error
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies - Special isssue: HCI research in privacy and security is critical now
Human-Computer Interaction
Error recovery in human-computer interaction: a preliminary study in a database learning environment
Proceedings of the 2nd PhD workshop on Information and knowledge management
A heuristic-systematic model of end-user information processing when encountering IS exceptions
Information and Management
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Little research has been done examining the role of errors in learning computer software. It is argued, though, that understanding the errors that people make while learning new software is important to improving instruction. The purpose of the current study was to (a) develop a meaningful and practical system for classifying computer software errors, (b) determine the relative effect of specific error types on learning, and (c) examine the impact of computer ability on error behaviour. Thirty-six adults (18 males, 18 females), representing three computer ability levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), volunteered to think out loud while they learned the rudimentary steps (moving the cursor, using a menu, entering data) required to use a spreadsheet software package. Classifying errors according to six basic categories (action, orientation, knowledge processing, seeking information, state, and style) proved to be useful. Errors related to knowledge processing, seeking information, and actions were observed most frequently, however, state, style, and orientation errors had the largest immediate negative impact on learning. A more detailed analysis revealed that subjects were most vulnerable when observing, trying to remember, and building mental models. The effect of errors was partially related to computer ability, however beginner, intermediate and advanced users were remarkably similar with respect to the prevalence of errors.