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Chapter-12 - Cognitive Models

Cognitive models provide insights into user thought processes, knowledge, intentions, and task completion methods. They include various types such as goal and task hierarchies, linguistic models, physical and device models, and architectural models, each focusing on different aspects of user interaction. Understanding these models is crucial for designing effective and user-friendly systems.

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13 views5 pages

Chapter-12 - Cognitive Models

Cognitive models provide insights into user thought processes, knowledge, intentions, and task completion methods. They include various types such as goal and task hierarchies, linguistic models, physical and device models, and architectural models, each focusing on different aspects of user interaction. Understanding these models is crucial for designing effective and user-friendly systems.

Uploaded by

younas125
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter-12 Cognitive Models

Cognitive models help us understand how users think, learn, and interact with systems. They
focus on:

 Understanding – How users process information.


 Knowledge – What users already know.
 Intentions – What users want to do.
 Processing – How users complete tasks.

Types of Cognitive Models

There are different types of cognitive models:

1. Goal and Task Hierarchies – How users break down tasks into steps.
2. Linguistic Models – How users communicate with systems.
3. Physical and Device Models – How users physically interact with devices.
4. Architectural Models – How human memory and cognition work.

1. Goal and Task Hierarchies


Users break down complex tasks into smaller steps to complete them efficiently. This approach
is called divide-and-conquer.

Example: Creating a Sales Report

To generate a report, a user follows these steps:

1. Gather data
o Find book names
o Search a database
o Review abstracts
2. Analyze sales data
3. Organize tables and graphs
4. Write a description

Goals vs. Tasks

 Goals – The end result you want to achieve.


o Example: “I want to generate a report.”
 Tasks – The steps needed to reach the goal.
o Example: “I need to search for book names.”
Two common methods for structuring goals and tasks:

1. GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection) – Goals are internal (mental process).
2. HTA (Hierarchical Task Analysis) – Actions are external (observable actions).

2. Techniques for Goal and Task Hierarchies


A. GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection)

GOMS analyzes user actions in a structured way:

 Goals – What the user wants to achieve.


 Operators – Basic actions performed (e.g., clicking, typing).
 Methods – Steps to reach a goal.
 Selection – Choosing between methods.

Example: Closing a Window


Two methods to close a window:

1. Menu Method:
o Move the mouse to the “File” menu.
o Click “Close.”
2. Keyboard Shortcut Method:
o Press Ctrl + W.

If a user is playing a game, they might use Ctrl + W because it's faster.

B. Cognitive Complexity Theory (CCT)

CCT models user behavior using if-then rules to describe actions.

Example: Editing Text in a Software


A user wants to insert a space at line 5, column 23. The system follows these rules:

 If the task is "insert space," then execute space insertion.


 If the cursor is not at the correct position, move it first.

This helps systems predict user behavior and possible errors.


3. Linguistic Models
Linguistic models analyze how users communicate with a system using commands or actions.

A. Backus-Naur Form (BNF)

BNF describes user interactions as a structured set of rules.

Example: Drawing a Line in Software

1. Select line → Move the mouse + Click.


2. Choose points → Click at each point.
3. Finish drawing → Double-click to confirm.

BNF focuses on syntax (the order of actions) but doesn’t consider user understanding.

B. Task-Action Grammar (TAG)

TAG improves on BNF by adding user knowledge and consistency rules.

Example: File Operations in UNIX


BNF describes commands like this:

 Copy: cp file1 file2


 Move: mv file1 file2
 Link: ln file1 file2

TAG ensures consistency by structuring rules, so users can easily learn patterns.

4. Physical and Device Models


These models study how users physically interact with devices (e.g., keyboards, mice,
touchscreens).

A. Keystroke Level Model (KLM)

KLM predicts how long it takes a user to complete a task using:

 K – Keystrokes (typing).
 P – Pointing (moving the mouse).
 H – Homing (switching between mouse and keyboard).
 D – Drawing (shapes, lines).
 M – Mental preparation.
 R – System response time.

Example: Iconizing a Window

1. Using a Menu (Mouse-Based)


o Move mouse to menu → 1.1 sec
o Click menu → 0.1 sec
o Find option → 1.35 sec
o Click option → 0.1 sec
o Total time: 3.75 sec
2. Using a Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl + W)
o Move hand to keyboard → 0.4 sec
o Think about keypress → 1.35 sec
o Press Ctrl + W → 0.28 sec
o Total time: 2.03 sec

Using a keyboard shortcut is faster than using the menu.

B. Buxton’s 3-State Model

This model describes how users interact with input devices in three states:

1. State 1: No contact (moving the mouse).


2. State 2: Pressing the button.
3. State 3: Dragging or selecting.

It helps design touchscreens and mouse interactions.

5. Architectural Models
These models explain how the human brain processes information while using systems.

Types of Architectural Models

1. Memory Models – How users store and recall information.


2. Problem-Solving Models – How users approach tasks.
3. ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought) – How users learn and improve skills over
time.

Display-Based Interaction

Most cognitive models focus on actions but ignore user perception (how users see and react to
system feedback).
Challenges:

 How do users handle unexpected errors?


 How do users explore software without a clear goal?

Key Takeaways
1. Goal hierarchies help break down complex tasks.
2. Linguistic models focus on how users interact through commands.
3. Physical models predict user efficiency with devices.
4. Architectural models explain how users think, learn, and adapt.

These models are essential for designing user-friendly interfaces and systems!

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