Human memory organization for computer programs

A. F. Norcio and Stephen M. Kerst

Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 1983, vol. 34, issue 2, 109-114

Abstract: Human memory organization has been shown to be important in the processing of natural language. Evidence is provided in this investigation which suggests that human memory organization is also important in processing programming languages. Subjects were divided into experimental groups which studied programs with or without documentation, and with or without hierarchically indented statements. Subjects studied and recalled five Fortran programs. The pattern of recalled statements at logic segment boundaries was compared to the recalled pattern within segments. In addition, the recalled boundary patterns of the experimental groups were compared to each other. The results indicate that algorithmic logic segments form a cognitive organizational structure in human memory for computer programs. Statement indentation and internal program documentation did not apparently enhance the organizational process or the recall of programming statements.

Date: 1983
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:jamest:v:34:y:1983:i:2:p:109-114

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