The Effects of an Interactive Graphics‐Based DSS to Support Problem Structuring
研究开发了基于图形交互的问题结构化工具并嵌入决策支持系统，通过实验发现该工具能帮助高认知能力者更好理解问题结构，但对低认知能力者效果不明显。
ABSTRACT Graphical, interactive, problem‐structuring tools were devised and incorporated into a DSS. These tools were based on concepts of structural modeling and motivated by propositions and findings in memory theory and imagery theory. A laboratory study was then conducted to investigate the relationship between decision‐maker characteristics and use of the problem‐structuring aid. The experiment was designed to determine whether use of the tool to assist in problem formulation led to a better understanding of problem structure. A moderately complex management simulation and its companion DSS were used in the experiment. Eighty‐four subjects were divided into two groups: a control group that did not use the Graphical Interactive Structural Modeling Option (GISMO), and an experimental group that did. The results showed a statistically significant effect between cognitive ability and use of GISMO. Field independents (i.e., high cognitive ability) effectively combined GISMO use with image processing skills to understand the structure of the problem domain, but field dependents (i.e., low cognitive ability) were ineffective. There was very little difference in problem understanding in field dependents who used the tool and those who did not.