Similarities and differences in computer user's mental models and computer dynamics.

• Main Author: Koping, Leora Esme.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Human-computer interaction > South Africa > Psychological aspects.; Human-computer interaction > Social aspects > South Africa.
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10539/26238

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for the Degree of Master of Arts === This dissertation explores the mental models applied when computers are used by tertiary sector 'clerical' employees from different backgrounds and with different levels of experience with, and knowledge of computers. The study was conducted in three stages. In STAGE 1, interviews were conducted to categorise the level of knowledge and experience of the users, and to establish their socio-cultural backgrounds. STAGE 2 established their 'mental models' of the inside of a computer by means of sketches. STAGE 3 assessed sketches of subjects' mental models of the dynamic operations of the computer saving a file. Cluster analysis was conduded to establish groupings of subjects with similar usership background and sketches. Further analysis was conducted on the resulting cluster solutions. (Abbreviation abstract) === Andrew Chakane 2018