Errors in computerized office work: differences between novice and expert users

This paper deals with errors by novices and experts when interacting with the computer in normal office work. Three criteria are discussed to determine the level of expertise: a) total length of time that the user has worked computers, b) number of programs known, and c) length of daily work-time with the computer. In contrast to widespread assumptions, experts did not make less errors than novices (except knowledge errors). On the other hand, experts spent less time handling the errors than novices. A cluster analysis produced groups of Occasional-, Frequent-, Beginning- and General Users in the work force.