Anthropomorphism describes the tendency to imbue the real or imagined behavior of nonhuman agents with humanlike characteristics, motivations, intentions, or emotions. Although surprisingly common, anthropomorphism is not invariant. This article describes a theory to explain when people are likely to anthropomorphize and when they are not, focused…

An Interactive Decision System (AIDS) is described as a computer-based technique to rationalize the judgment process. This technique is intended to allow a typical manager to make decisions with more complete use of information available and fewer loose ends than is usually the case. (Author)

Discusses issues relating to microcomputer software user interfaces: (1) accessibility; (2) ease of learning versus speed and flexibility; (3) arrogant versus accommodating software; (4) file management capabilities; and (5) widespread software inconveniences including copy protection, poor use of subdirectories, and bad text. (MES)

An experimental framework for observing an indexing task carried out in a laboratory environment and an initial indexing experiment that explored a methodology for aiding, rather than replacing, the indexer are described. (12 references) (Author/KE)

This study evaluates the usability of the Journal Finder integrated search interface, developed at the Jackson Library at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This interface provides electronic access to publications including journals, newsletters, newspapers, and magazines. This study was conducted to determine how intuitive and…

This article proposes a mathematical model of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), based on observations of the behaviour of these systems. One of the most important problems of pedagogical software is to establish a common language between the knowledge areas involved in their development, basically pedagogical, computing and domain areas. A…

Highlights the customary arbitrariness with which the terms "syntax" and "semantics," and hence "understanding" are applied, and leads to a more systematic application of these concepts. The question of why one notation (grammar, syntax) is more useful than another is raised, and an answer is suggested. (Author/VT)

Critically reviews the different types of abstractions and implementations in the area of hypertext and proposes the existence of three types of hypertext: small, medium, and large volume. Each type of hypertext is described, human-computer interaction is considered, and a movement toward intelligent hypertext is discussed. (48 references) (LRW)

Discusses pervasive, or ubiquitous, computing; explains the notion of context; and defines context-aware computing as the key to disperse and enmesh computation into our lives. Considers context awareness in human-computer interaction and describes the broad topic areas of the essays included in this special issue. (LRW)

"The Computer Revolution", a part of the "Second Industrial Revolution", is examined with reference to the social consequences of computers. The subject is introduced in an opening section which discusses the revolution in the handling of information and the history, powers, uses, and working s of computers. A second section examines in detail the…

It is proposed that the conversational language used in interactive retrieval systems should become standard, at least as far as the technical terms and symbols used by the user are concerned. If that effort is successful, a standards efforts in the area of a code of practice or recommended methods for operation could be developed. (Author)

Describes features and enhancements of the EasyNet end-user gateway software including the addition of more databanks, improved help for searchers, field searching, online help from humans, and scanning for database selection. Capabilities of the Common Command Language are discussed. Figures show a database scan, EasyNet commands, and a sample…

Techniques for providing interaction of the student with media. Includes development process and specific suggestions. (LS)

Discussion of human-computer interaction and planned action focuses on the belief that it is impossible to consider an action without an a priori plan, even according to the phenomenological position taken for granted by the situated action theory. Reports results of a quasi-experiment that focused on plan deviation within an information seeking…