On knowledge representation and perceived design quality

• Main Author: Fowler, Caleb L.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: Knowledge representation; Cognitive design studies; Arctic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1860/1582

We propose an experiment in the realm of quality and cognitive design, focusing on the relationship between knowledge representation and problem-solving performance. We are interested in exploring if the type of knowledge representation of background knowledge influences individual perceptions of problem-solving performance. Research has relatively little to say about the relationship between design and performance. Some work has been conducted on the impact of requirements specification and design performance. However, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted of the relationship between knowledge representation and perceived performance. We believe this research is important because little is known about this avenue of inquiry and improving human performance may be possible by choosing a knowledge representation that allows a more accurate self assessment in problem-solving situations. Our method involves presenting experimental subjects with a two-part web interface. The first component of the web interface consists of the Arctic Survival Problem—an expert evaluated task well known in group studies. The second component consists of a resource guide on winter survival. The experimental variable is the way that this information is presented. Our dependent variables are self-evaluation (via questionnaire), and task performance (via expert answers). Achieving the results we expect will yield an indication that the presentation of the initial knowledge representation does have an influence on perceived performance.