Protocol Analysis of Man-Computer Languages: Design and Preliminary Findings

Abstract
This report describes an on-going study in man-machine communications. The study's main premise is that in developing man-computer languages one should consider the users' needs and habits as well as features of the computer service. The problem in doing so is that the designer does not have sufficient quantitative information about the users to enable him to specify languages permitting near-optimal performance. The study proposes and tests a method to achieve a closer fit between users and their computer languages by involving potential users in the design process. Token languages of several syntactic forms are defined. Then, research hypotheses are stated concerning the users' preferences regarding the language structure and vocabulary. Next, an experiment design is described, based on a statistical model of observations of commands entered by users as they perform a standardized task. The method is tested by protocol analysis with subjects who are potential users. In the protocol analysis, subjects vocally stated commands in each of the taken languages as they performed the standardized task. These respondents were requested to change the grammar of each language (during the task) to make it natural for them to use. Their task inputs were used to test the hypotheses. The report concludes that the method of modelling users and then testing draft languages is useful in language design, since there was a consensus of users' opinions as to specific language improvements.

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