Cognitive Ability and Computing Experience Influence Interpretation of Computer Metaphors

Metaphors play a central role in human-computer interaction. Research on general metaphor interpretation has shown that different types of people interpret metaphors differently. The present experiment examined the effects of cognitive ability and computer experience on the interpretation of computer-related metaphors. Subjects completed five cognitive tests, filled out a questionnaire concerning their experience with computers, and interpreted computer metaphor terms. Identification of a term as a metaphor was related to their frequency of computer use and nonverbal cognitive ability. Concreteness of metaphor interpretations decreased with increased knowledge of programming. Abstractness of interpretations increased with frequency of computer use. The discussion focuses on metaphors in the design of user interfaces for novices and experienced users.

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