Do Cognitive Abilities Predict Performance in Everyday Computer Tasks? (scitechdaily.com)
- Reference: 0177011695
- News link: https://science.slashdot.org/story/25/04/13/0238237/do-cognitive-abilities-predict-performance-in-everyday-computer-tasks
- Source link: https://scitechdaily.com/new-study-a-lack-of-intelligence-not-training-may-be-why-people-struggle-with-computers/
> A new study has found that general cognitive abilities, such as perception, reasoning, and memory, are more important than previously believed in determining a person's ability to perform everyday tasks on a computer... "It is clear that differences between individuals cannot be eliminated simply by means of training," says Antti Oulasvirta [a professor at Finland's Aalto University who conducted extensive human-computer interaction research with his team and the University of Helsinki Department of Psychology]. "In the future, user interfaces need to be streamlined for simpler use. This age-old goal has been forgotten at some point, and awkwardly designed interfaces have become a driver for the digital divide.
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> "We cannot promote a deeper and more equal use of computers in society unless we solve this basic problem," Oulasvirta says...
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> This is the first-ever study to measure users' actual ability to perform daily tasks on a PC, as previous studies have relied on participants self-assessing their abilities via questionnaires... "The study revealed that, in particular, working memory, attention, and executive functions stand out as the key abilities. When using a computer, you must determine the order in which things are done and keep in mind what has already been done. A purely mathematical or logical ability does not help in the same way," says university lecturer Viljami Salmela [from the University of Helsinki].
"Our results suggest that contemporary user interfaces are getting so complex that their design is starting to affect inclusivity," [2]their paper concludes , saying that it ultimately raises a question. "How can we design user interfaces to decrease the role of cognitive abilities."
[1] https://scitechdaily.com/new-study-a-lack-of-intelligence-not-training-may-be-why-people-struggle-with-computers/
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S107158192400137X?via%3Dihub
Prove it. (Score:2)
> Researchers say that a person's intelligence plays a bigger role in their computer proficiency than previously believed
Really? You’re going to really claim that bullshit excuse is valid for the Touchscreen Generation who couldn’t figure out what to do with setup.exe with both hands and a Microsoft founder? We LITERALLY build UIs for fucking children now, because target audience to maximize addiction.
If it requires more intelligence to operate a computer today, then the computer operators of yesterday are making MENSA feel stupid.
Re: (Score:2)
> If it requires more intelligence to operate a computer today, then the computer operators of yesterday are making MENSA feel stupid.
You seem to be working hard to disprove their theory with the invalidity of your argument.
The claim is that it always required more intelligence to operate a computer well than most people have, not that it requires more now than it used to, and that practice will never make some people good at it because they simply don't have the necessary faculties.
This is a good reason for the interface to coddle people who need coddling, so long as it can also be configurable not to do that so it can get out of the way
Aim Lower (Score:2)
> We LITERALLY build UIs for fucking children now, because target audience to maximize addiction.
[1]https://www.youtube.com/watch?... [youtube.com]
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTiZqCQsfa8
Withdraw their funding retroactively (Score:2)
"Our results suggest that contemporary user interfaces are getting so complex that..."
Are you _ing kidding me? Are you? Is this some weird troll?
Go on, show me what you can do on a Unix-flavored command line. I get that many people can't figure out how to connect to wifi by tapping a few buttons, but the problem is not that the "contemporary user interfaces" have gotten too complex to use.
The Immediate Gratification Generation (Score:2)
We live in a time where people are lack the patience to take the time to learn something.
The result is dumbed down interfaces which are inefficient to use for those who are willing to take the time to learn something.
Next they'll insist that pianos need to have their keys replaced by a play button so that everybody has the same opportunity to make pleasing tunes with the instrument.
Streamlined User Interfaces (Score:2)
I'm all for streamlined user interfaces, with an absence of unnecessary fluff. Let's take the best example: vim. Vim has no extraneous window furniture, and most tasks can be accomplished with a minimum of fuss. Anybody can learn vim given the right training.
Useless paper is useless (Score:2)
"Stupid people are dumb, you should like... do better, and stuff." K, thnx bro.
That's just about precisely ... (Score:2)
... what the term "cognitive ability" (PC speak for intelligence) means.
Who even designs these studies? Is tax money used for stuff like this?
Well duh... (Score:2)
News at 11, the more you use it, the more capable you become.
It's with everything. The more you challenge yourself the more adept and agile your mind will become, it does not only apply to the use of computers and technology in general, but the more problem solving you do - the more likely you are to think things through and become better at decision making as well, even if it was computers.
I've noticed this cognitive ability with myself as well. For example, if I took a look at myself 30 years ago, if I ha
OMG is this the stupidest obvious point ever? (Score:1)
I have no words. Except these seven. Do these count? Yes!
Re: (Score:2)
It's mostly wishful thinking. Some people would very much like there to be a single number that can be used to rank everyone with a single definitive test, ideally administered as young as possible.
Re: (Score:1)
The only single number that matters is your bank balance.