Earth Notes: General Bibliography (lintunen2024cognitive)

• [lintunen2024cognitive] Lintunen, Erik and Salmela, Viljami and Jarre, Petri and Heikkinen, Tuukka and Kilpeläinen, Markku et al. Cognitive abilities predict performance in everyday computer tasks (accessed 2025-04-13), Elsevier BV, 2024-12, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, volume 192, ISSN 1071-5819, doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2024.103354, article/pages 103354 (article) (BibTeX).
  abstract

  Fluency with computer applications has assumed a crucial role in work-related and other day-to-day activities. While prior experience is known to predict performance in tasks involving computers, the effects of more stable factors like cognitive abilities remain unclear. Here, we report findings from a controlled study (N = 88) covering a wide spectrum of commonplace applications, from spreadsheets to video conferencing. Our main result is that cognitive abilities exert a significant, independent, and broad-based effect on computer users' performance. In particular, users with high working memory, executive control, and perceptual reasoning ability complete tasks more quickly and with greater success while experiencing lower mental load. Remarkably, these effects are similar to or even larger in magnitude than the effects of prior experience in using computers and in completing tasks similar to those encountered in our study. However, the effects are varying and application-specific. We discuss the role that user interface design bears on decreasing ability-related differences, alongside benefits this could yield for functioning in society.
  note

  [[**UA] agency and UX complexity, assuming at least more subtle and effective management of a heat pump alongside ToU tariffs is analagous. Quote: "Task Success was better predicted by cognitive abilities than by experience. This result is surprising, as competence in computer use is traditionally attributed to acquired skill." Quote: "Our main finding suggests that calls for design that takes individual abilities into account have not been heeded. Everyday tasks with computers are not only frustrating but so difficult that a person's cognitive abilities are predictive of their task completion rates. Our more detailed results suggest what to prioritize in efforts to address this. Specifically, our models suggest that design should focus on minimizing reliance on executive functions and working memory." Quote: "Our results suggest that today's interfaces rely on extensive scanning and exploration. They present vast amounts of information, of several types, all at once." Quote: "Beyond user interface design, user-centered design processes could be reconsidered. User groups should cover diverse abilities. Presently, user interfaces get designed mostly under a 'one size fits all' policy, often with focus on commercially interesting markets: groups who are likely to adopt new products early. Our results suggest that users with lower cognitive abilities need to be considered as a target segment. However, there are complexities in designing for diverse user groups. An improvement in one group may cause decreases in another. One promising avenue to tackle this is via stronger focus on learnability. The focus in design is often on ease-of-use, which may dismiss the opportunity to support the growth of skills over time."]