Factors of Process Model Comprehension - Findings from a Series of Experiments

Mendling, Jan and Strembeck, Mark and Recker, Jan (2012) Factors of Process Model Comprehension - Findings from a Series of Experiments. Decision Support Systems, 53 (1). pp. 195-206. ISSN 0167-9236

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Abstract

In order to make good decisions about the design of information systems, an essential skill is to understand process models of the business domain the system is intended to support. Yet, little knowledge to date has been established about the factors that affect how model users comprehend the content of process models. In this study, we use theories of semiotics and cognitive load to theorize how model and personal factors influence how model viewers comprehend the syntactical information of process models. We then report on a four-part series of experiments, in which we examined these factors. Our results show that additional semantical information impedes syntax comprehension, and that theoretical knowledge eases syntax comprehension. Modeling experience further contributes positively to comprehension efficiency, measured as the ratio of correct answers to the time taken to provide answers. We discuss implications for practice and research.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	To see the final version of this paper please visit the publisher's website. Access to the published version may require a subscription. The definitive version is available at www.elsevier.com.
Keywords:	business process modeling / model comprehension / experiment
Divisions:	Departments > Informationsverarbeitung u Prozessmanag. > Informationswirtschaft
Version of the Document:	Accepted for Publication
Variance from Published Version:	Minor
Depositing User:	Dissertation Administrator
Date Deposited:	02 Apr 2012 16:27
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2020 19:46
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://epub.wu.ac.at/id/eprint/3499

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