Abstract: The studies investigated the relative efficacy of different instructional aids for the learning and use of a hierarchical database system. Previous research has suggested that subjects who study a spatial map of the structure and objects in a database perform better on data retrieval tasks than subjects who study other types of material. The results of the present studies suggest that analogies are useful instructional aids for learning hierarchical databases.

Keywords: Analogical format; Complex systems; Databases; Design; Empirical studies; Menu, hierarchical; Models and theories; Pictorial format; Screen output

Originally published: Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 31st Annual Meeting, 1987, pp. 978-982

Republished: G. Perlman, G. K. Green, & M. S. Wogalter (Eds.) Human Factors Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction: Selections from Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meetings, 1983-1994, Santa Monica, CA: HFES, 1995, pp. 110-114.