A Comparison of Linear Keyword and Restricted Natural Language Data Base Interfaces for Novice Users

Kil Soo Suh and A. Milton Jenkins
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Kil Soo Suh: College of Business and Economics, Yonsei University, Seoul, 120-749 Korea
A. Milton Jenkins: Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-5779

Information Systems Research, 1992, vol. 3, issue 3, 252-272

Abstract: This study compares a linear keyword language interface and a restricted natural language interface for data retrieval by a novice user. The comparison focuses on the effect of different data base interfaces on user performance (as measured by query correctness and query writing time) in a query writing task across varying query types and training levels. To accomplish this objective, a laboratory experiment was conducted using a split-plot factorial design using two between-subjects factors and one within-subjects factor. The results indicate that the restricted natural language subjects performed significantly better than the linear keyword language subjects in terms of both query correctness and query writing time.

Keywords: query language; data base; restricted natural language; linear keyword language; user interface (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1992
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