The Impact of Conceptual Data Models on End-User Performance

Abstract

While implementation/logical data models have been extensively studied and reported on, there is relatively less attention on the conceptual data models, especially from an end-user empirical perspective. Conceptual models are more suited for end-users due to the richness in semantic expressiveness and user-oriented features, but usually are not directly implemented. In this article, we examine three conceptual models: data structure diagram, entity-relationship model, and object-oriented model from the viewpoint of endusers. Results of two empirical studies, one experimental and one survey, are described. A comparative examination of the three data models on comprehension, efficiency, productivity, and a whole host of other characteristics has been made. The general evidence from the experimental study is that the user performance is much superior in terms of comprehension, efficiency, and productivity using the object-oriented model than the data structure diagram or the entity-relationship model. The second study suggests that this clear user preference for the OOM model diminishes with increased computer and database experience. Given the explosive growth in recent years of end-user computing and their use of databases, the findings of this study should be of great concern for users as well as information systems specialists.