Tutorials for software : a comparison of the Appleworks software tutorial with pre-entered data and an experimental tutorial with user entered data

<p>The attention directed toward computer software research has been sparse which is quite evident in particular facets such as learning methods, specifically towards tutorials. Some authors have identified various important issues which include cognitive factors, reduction of presentation of superfluous information, and the importance of interaction with software and hardware. The present . study examined two tutorials which were similar except in their level of required user behaviors. Tutorial A required only user manipulation of disk stored data. Tutorial B required the user to enter the data into the computer, design the screen format, and then to manipulate it. It was predicted that the extra task of entering data and designing the screen format would provoke more positive scores for Tutorial B as measured by two independent questionnaires, would require fewer requests for assistance than for those using Tutorial A, and require a comparative duration period to complete. The results obtained supported all hypotheses except for the duration period which took longer for Tutorial B. The implication is that there should be development of improved Tutorial options utilizing research based methods such as these presented.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate School

Year dc:date.available

1986

Author dc:creator

• Steil, Toni L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Doug Matheson

• Computer-assisted instruction Authoring programs
• Computer software
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Psychology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/491

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarlycommons.pacific.edu:uop_etds-1490