15.2474, Diss: Translation: Byrne: 'Textual...'

[LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List:  Vol-15-2474. Tue Sep 7 2004. ISSN: 1068-4875.

Subject: 15.2474, Diss: Translation: Byrne: 'Textual...'

Moderators: Anthony Aristar, Wayne State U.<aristar at linguistlist.org>
            Helen Dry, Eastern Michigan U. <hdry at linguistlist.org>

Reviews (reviews at linguistlist.org):
	Sheila Collberg, U. of Arizona
	Terence Langendoen, U. of Arizona

Home Page:  http://linguistlist.org/

The LINGUIST List is funded by Eastern Michigan University, Wayne
State University, and donations from subscribers and publishers.

Editor for this issue: Takako Matsui <tako at linguistlist.org>
 ==========================================================================
To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at
http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.html.
=================================Directory=================================

1)
Date:  Mon, 6 Sep 2004 03:58:55 -0400 (EDT)
From:  jody.byrne at dcu.ie
Subject:  Textual Cognetics and the Role of Iconic Linkage in Software User Guides

-------------------------------- Message 1 -------------------------------

Date:  Mon, 6 Sep 2004 03:58:55 -0400 (EDT)
From:  jody.byrne at dcu.ie
Subject:  Textual Cognetics and the Role of Iconic Linkage in Software User Guides

Institution: Dublin City University
Program: PhD in Applied Languages
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2004

Author: Jody Byrne

Dissertation Title: Textual Cognetics and the Role of Iconic Linkage
in Software User Guides

Linguistic Field: Translation, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics

Dissertation Director 1: Dr. Dorothy Kenny

Dissertation Abstract:

This study investigates whether Iconic Linkage - the use of identical
wording to present the same information recurring in a text - can
improve the usability of user guides. Drawing on research literature
in technical communication, cognitive psychology and human-computer
interfaces, Iconic Linkage is presented as a writing strategy that
potentially allows users to work more quickly and effectively and
which promotes better retention of information.

The usefulness of Iconic Linkage was tested in a laboratory-based
usability study that combined (1) objective task-based evaluation and
(2) users' subjective evaluations of a software program used in
recording parliamentary debates. A post-test survey designed to test
subjects' retention of information contained in the user guides was
also administered.

The study shows that Iconic Linkage significantly improved usability
of the user guide: in all tasks, subjects worked more effectively and
made fewer mistakes; while in the three timed tasks, subjects
completed the tasks much more quickly. Subjects also gave higher
ratings for the software and their retention of information was
noticeably improved. The study concludes by discussing the
implications and potential future applications of this research.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINGUIST List: Vol-15-2474