Use of an IQF-Like Query Language by Non-programmers.

Abstract : This exploratory experiment attempts to examine separately the formulation, planning, and coding of queries. College students and file clerks required about ten hours to learn a query language which was somewhat similar to IBM's IQF query language, but contained more function. They were then given 15 test problems that varied in complexity and how well they were expressed. Subjects were required to formulate, then to plan (writing each in their own words), and finally to code each problem. Results provide some suggestions about which problem variables affected which stages in writing queries. For example, whether or not a problem was well expressed seemed to affect problem formulation time, but had no affect upon problem planning or problem coding times. Specific language constructions (additions to IQF), such as contextual referencing and a new method to handle limited disjunctive problems, were shown to be useful. The types of coding errors that subjects made were identified and discussed. (Author)