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Separating Myth from Probability: the Origins and Evolution of QWERTY

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  • KAY, NEIL

Abstract

We use basic probability theory and simple replicable electronic search experiments to evaluate some reported myths surrounding the origins and evolution of the QWERTY standard. The resulting evidence is strongly supportive of arguments put forward by Paul A. David (1985) and W. Brian Arthur (1989) that QWERTY was path dependent with its course of development strongly influenced by specific historical circumstances. The results also include the unexpected finding that QWERTY was as close to an optimal solution to a serious but transient problem as could be expected with the resources at the disposal of its designers in 1873.

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  • Kay, Neil, 2012. "Separating Myth from Probability: the Origins and Evolution of QWERTY," SIRE Discussion Papers 2012-57, Scottish Institute for Research in Economics (SIRE).
    • Handle: RePEc:edn:sirdps:382
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10943/382
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    1. Arthur, W Brian, 1989. "Competing Technologies, Increasing Returns, and Lock-In by Historical Events," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 99(394), pages 116-131, March.
    2. David, Paul A, 1985. "Clio and the Economics of QWERTY," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 75(2), pages 332-337, May.
    3. E. Han Kim & Adair Morse & Luigi Zingales, 2006. "What Has Mattered to Economics Since 1970," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 20(4), pages 189-202, Fall.
    4. Liebowitz, S J & Margolis, Stephen E, 1990. "The Fable of the Keys," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(1), pages 1-25, April.
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