CONCEPTUAL MODELS IN TRAINING NOVICE USERS

Abstract Research findings provide ample support for the notion that providing a conceptual model of a system aids novice users in building mental models. Two types of conceptual models have been proposed: Analogical models and abstract models. It is argued that abstract conceptual models will provide more flexible mental models because they are more flexible representations. Individual differences must be considered as moderating variables in this analysis. A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare analogical and abstract models. Graduate business students were trained in the use of the filing capabilities of an electronic mail system. The findings of this study indicate that abstract conceptual models may indeed provide more flexible mental models for novice users of electronic mail, and that individual differences (in this case, visual ability), do affect the formulation of mental models.

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