ERROR-DETECTION, TASK CHARACTERISTICS, AND SOME CONSEQUENCES FOR SOFTWARE-DESIGN

Using action theory, the error detection of computer users was investi gated. For reasons of internal and external validity both a field stud y and two laboratory experiments using word processing were carried ou t. Research questions pertained to the error detection rate of various types of errors, the impact of task complexity on error detection, an d the question of computerised error detection. The results showed a h igher error detection rate (96.5%) in the field study than in the expe riments. Errors occurring in complex tasks were more difficult to dete ct. Moreover, 50% of all errors could be detected only by the users. N ot more than 22% of the errors were detected with the help of the comp uter system. Errors in complex planning were the most difficult for co mputer supported error detection. As a practical consequence, a strate gy of error management is suggested which calls for the support of the process of error recovery through software design.