Psychological evaluation of two conditional constructions used in computer languages

✍ Scribed by M.E. Sime; T.R.G. Green; D.J. Guest

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1973
• Weight: 476 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0020-7373
• DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7373(73)80011-2

✦ Synopsis

There is a need for empirical evaluation of programmifig languages for unskilled users, but it is more effective to compare specific features common to many languages than to compare complete languages. This cart be done by devising micro-languages stressing the feature of interest, together with a suitable subject matter for the programs. To illustrate the power of this approach two conditional constructions are compared: a nestable construction, like that of Algol 60, and a branch-to-label construction, as used in many simpler languages. The former is easier for unskilled subjects. Possible reasons for this finding are discussed.