Changes in Knowledge Representation with Increasing Expertise

Today's Army is highly dependent upon computer technology. Computers with specially designed applications software or command languages are integral to recruiting and record keeping, education and training, and maintenance and use of complex weapon systems. Since command languages are used in a wide variety of Army jobs, most soldiers will require training for at least one command language at some point in their Army career. The development of effective training for command language use depends upon an understanding of how this type of skill is acquired. This paper reports on research efforts to determine how the structure and use of knowledge for a command language changes as a function of increasing expertise with the language. Lotus 1-2-3, a popular command language for spreadsheet construction, was chosen for investigation. Trainees first received a tutorial on Lotus 1-2-3. Their knowledge representations for Lotus commands and concepts were then mapped using the ordered tree technique (Reitman & Reuter, 1980), and their ability to use the language was assessed using spreadsheet construction and modification tasks. Afterwards, the trainees were required to use the command language to complete a relatively complex practical exercise. Their knowledge representations and ability to use the language were assessed a second time.