The Relationship between Computer Information System Interface Type and User Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide information about the relationships between computer information system interface types in determining user performance, user perceived ease of system use, and user perceived ease of system understanding. The type of computer information system interface was the primary independent variable with two levels: a command-language interface and a graphic-user interface. The dependent variables were user performance, user perceived ease of system use, and user perceived ease of system understanding. Experimental research was conducted to examine the relationships between the variables.Participants in the study included students enrolled in Northern Illinois University's Master of Business Administration program. A pre-test was administered to measure subjects' previous computer information system experience. Subjects were assigned to one of two interface-type systems in the experiment based upon this previous experience. Subjects were administered a post-test to measure their perceived ease of system use, and ease of system understanding.