Naive programmer problems with specification of transfer-of-control

We have conducted a series of experiments concerning the programming performance of persons with no prior contact with computers other than the training received in the experimental sessions. Our objective in these experiments is to identify design principles for facilitating communication between the naive user, as a problem solver, and a computer system. We view programming as a problem-solving activity, an instance of what generally may be called "procedure specification." We believe it possible to design computers as optimal problem-solving tools only if the operating characteristics of the problem solvers are known and taken into account. Consequently, we are seeking to discover the problems and processes involved in human specification of procedures, using experimental laboratory methods.