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Improving End-User Proficiency: Effects of Conceptual Training and Nature of Interaction

Author

Listed:
  • Radhika Santhanam

    (Department of Decision Sciences & Information Systems, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, Florida 33199)

  • Maung K. Sein

    (Department of Decision Sciences & Information Systems, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, Florida 33199)

Abstract

Users of information technology form mental models that reflect' their understanding and knowledge of an information system. These models affect the proficiency with which they use these systems. In this paper, we draw upon assimilation theory of learning to propose and test a two-stage model of mental model development. We examined the effects of two types of training method , namely conceptual model and procedural, and two levels of nature of interaction , namely novel and simple tasks, on end-users' proficiency in forming accurate mental models of an electronic mail system. Our results indicate that the actual mental models of the system formed by the users predict learning success instead of the type of training provided. Subjects who formed mental models that were conceptual in nature performed significantly better than those who formed mental models that were procedural. Main effects for nature of interaction were not significant. However, we observed a significant interaction effect between the models formed by the users and the nature of their interaction with the system. Our findings suggest that end-user performance is enhanced through training methods that provide good conceptual models but only if users form conceptual mental models and retain them.

Suggested Citation

  • Radhika Santhanam & Maung K. Sein, 1994. "Improving End-User Proficiency: Effects of Conceptual Training and Nature of Interaction," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 5(4), pages 378-399, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:inm:orisre:v:5:y:1994:i:4:p:378-399
    DOI: 10.1287/isre.5.4.378
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Radhika Santhanam & De Liu & Wei-Cheng Milton Shen, 2016. "Research Note—Gamification of Technology-Mediated Training: Not All Competitions Are the Same," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 27(2), pages 453-465, June.
    2. Radhika Santhanam & Sharath Sasidharan & Jane Webster, 2008. "Using Self-Regulatory Learning to Enhance E-Learning-Based Information Technology Training," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 19(1), pages 26-47, March.
    3. Prasad, Acklesh & Heales, Jon, 2010. "On IT and business value in developing countries: A complementarities-based approach," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 314-335.
    4. Mun Y. Yi & Fred D. Davis, 2003. "Developing and Validating an Observational Learning Model of Computer Software Training and Skill Acquisition," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 14(2), pages 146-169, June.
    5. Somers, Toni M. & Nelson, Klara G., 2003. "The impact of strategy and integration mechanisms on enterprise system value: Empirical evidence from manufacturing firms," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 146(2), pages 315-338, April.
    6. Wynne W. Chin & Barbara L. Marcolin & Peter R. Newsted, 2003. "A Partial Least Squares Latent Variable Modeling Approach for Measuring Interaction Effects: Results from a Monte Carlo Simulation Study and an Electronic-Mail Emotion/Adoption Study," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 14(2), pages 189-217, June.

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