(Dummy Exam Paper from 1996)
MA/MSc in Information Technology, SEMESTER 1 1995-1996
Introduction to Human factors
Time allowed TWO Hours
Candidates must NOT start writing their answers until told to do so
Answer SIX questions in SECTION A and THREE questions in SECTION B
Dictionaries are not allowed with one exception. Those whose first language is not English may use a dictionary to translate between that language and English provided that neither language is the subject of this examination.
1. Consider the difference between principles, guidelines and standards. Give at least one example of each. (5 Marks)
2. Briefly outline the processing stages in Norman's theory of action and interaction (Norman, 1988). (5 Marks)
3. What is learnability? How does it relate to functionally and usability? (5 Marks)
4. What is a mode error (Norman 1988)? Give three examples of other error types with illustrations. (5 Marks)
5. Outline briefly four depth cues and consider how they may be used in interface design. (5 Marks)
6. What are visibility and consistency in the context of interface design? Consider how these concepts can be useful when designing systems. (5 Marks)
7. An experimental study gave a single group of users two sets of simple item selection tasks. The first set required simultaneous use of more than one mouse button and the second set used different buttons. Task completion time and users' preferences were measured. The results showed both faster task completion and greater user preference for the selection scheme using different mouse buttons. Consider the following:
(a) What are the independent and dependent variables in this study?
(b) What type of experimental design was used?
(c) The experimental effects may be confounded by another possible effect. What is it and how could it be avoided?
(5 Marks)
8. Outline a GOMS analysis (Card, Moran & Newell, 1983) of making a cup of instant coffee. Briefly consider how GOMS differs from Hierarchical Task Analysis. (5 Marks)
9. Using an example, describe some of the factors which contribute towards "human error". What could be done to prevent or lessen the impact of such errors? (15 Marks)
10. What can psychology contribute to the design of artifacts? Consider psycho-physiological, cognitive and social issues in thinking about this question. (15 Marks)
11. What special social psychological problems do you think computer media present for CSCW work? What do we know about the way in which people interact socially and how computer media affects that interaction. (15 Marks)
12. In the light if human information processing capabilities and limitations, assess the benefits and drawbacks of menu based interfaces. (15 Marks)
13. Give a brief description of the Model Human Processor (Card, Moran and Newell, 1983) and consider how this theory may be used in the design of an information retrieval system (e.g. a library database). (15 Marks)
14. "it is important for human factors experts to consider the user's mental models in designing systems". Discuss. (15 Marks)