Computer detection of spatial visualization in a location-based task

Abstract

An untapped area of productivity gains hinges on automatic detection of user cognitive characteristics. One such characteristic, spatial visualization ability, relates to users' computer performance. In this dissertation, we describe a novel, behavior-based, spatial visualization detection technique. The technique does not depend on sensors or knowledge of the environment and can be adopted on generic computers. In a Census Bureau location-based address verification task, detection rates exceeded 80% and approached 90%.

Flattening methods for adaptive location-based software to user abilities

“…The first of these objectives was that we would like to implement a prediction method in the software such that it was able to predict a user's VZ based on their actions on the UI. This was an extension of Batinov's study [2].…”

“…As we previously mentioned that a purpose of this study was to see how each feature impacted participants' performance in address verification task, all the clues that we had from this study will be used in a development of an adaptive user interface software. Not only clues that we could get, we would also make a use of the prediction model [2] in order to develop an adaptive version of software interface. In addition we will continue to examine relevant literature for other features that have been shown to be helpful to high or low participants.…”

“…Furthermore, we discussed the accuracy of our prediction unit, which was developed to provide 'real-time' prediction of a user's VZ level, in Chapter 6 as well. The prediction model was built on the work of Batinov [2].…”

“…These thresholds were from a discussion with Maria Kozhevnikov, a psychology professional, when she gave a presentation at Iowa State University. These thresholds were also used in previous work [2] [89]. We graded the test after finishing the field study.…”

“…The prediction module was an extension of Batinov's study [2]. However, we made some modification on Batinov's work to suitably fit with Study III.…”