Cognitive Factors Related to Computer Programming and Software Productivity
- 1 October 1983
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting
- Vol. 27 (7) , 647-651
- https://doi.org/10.1177/154193128302700728
Abstract
The significance of software productivity is discussed and methods to increase computer programming productivity are reviewed. The range of performance capabilities of computer programmers in academic work environments based on several cognitive variables are delineated. Results reveal that for 90 percent of the population these ranges can vary from a low of 1:2 to a high of 1:99. Mathematical abilities are shown to predict up to 25 percent of the variance accounting for computer programming proficiency. Also combined chemistry and mathematical skills can predict up to 40 percent of the variance in computer programming proficiency. Basic Cognitive Skills, as measured by standard cognitive ability tests, are not shown to be helpful in predicting programming proficiency, whereas chunking appears to be a useful method for determining computer proficiency.This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit:
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- Impact of valid selection procedures on work-force productivity.Journal of Applied Psychology, 1979
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- Exploratory experimental studies comparing online and offline programming performanceCommunications of the ACM, 1968