The Influence of Database Structure Representation on Database System Learning and Use.

Author List: Leithheiser, Robert L.; March, Salvatore T.;
Journal of Management Information Systems, 1996, Volume 12, Issue 4, Page 187-213.
Successful use of a computerized database by end users requires both an understanding of the structure of the database and knowledge of the available query language. Previous research has focused almost exclusively on query languages with little concern for how database structure is represented. This paper reports on an experiment that explores the influence of database structure representation on the ability of users to learn and use a database system. Four alternative representations of the same databases are developed and compared. These representations differ in semantics, symbols, and means of representing relationships. Interestingly, representation features that aid in communicating the contents of a database appear to hinder the learning of the SQL query language. We conclude that database representation is an important factor in database use and that the interaction between a database structure representation and a query language may dramatically affect database leaning and use.
Keywords: database querying; entity-relationship model; human factors; interface design; relational model; SQL; training
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List of Topics

#281 0.343 database language query databases natural data queries relational processing paper using request views access use matching automated semantic based languages
#216 0.152 conceptual model modeling object-oriented domain models entities representation understanding diagrams schema semantic attributes represented representing object relationships concepts classes entity-relationship
#283 0.114 interface user users interaction design visual interfaces human-computer navigation human need cues studies guidelines laboratory functional developed restricted know guided
#244 0.093 structure integration complex business enhancement effects access extent analyzing volatile capture requires occurs pattern enables independent integrative structured decision-making costs
#220 0.079 research study different context findings types prior results focused studies empirical examine work previous little knowledge sources implications specifically provide
#187 0.056 learning model optimal rate hand domain effort increasing curve result experts explicit strategies estimate acquire learn referral observational skills activities