Sarah E. VanStelle

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

Candidate: Sarah E. VanStelle

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Psychology

Title: Performance on a Data Entry Task when Participants Receive Three Different Types of Graphic Feedback

Committee:
Dr. Alyce Dickinson, Chair
Dr. Heather McGee
Dr. Brad Huitema
Dr. Kevin Munson

Date: Thursday, November 1, 2012 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
3713 Wood Hall

Abstract:
This purpose of the present study is to compare the effects of three types of graphic feedback on worker performance and satisfaction. The first type displays individual performance (IF), the second displays individual performance and average group performance (SCF-GA), and the third displays individual performance for each individual in the group (SCF-IP). Participants are 54 undergraduate students who are randomly assigned to one of the three groups. They perform a computerized data entry task that simulates the job of a medical data entry clerk. The primary dependent variable is the number of correctly completed patient records. Secondary dependent variables include: (1) time on-task, (2) accuracy, and (3) data entry rate. The first session is used as a covariate to control for keyboard skills and a monotone ANCOVA is used to determine whether performance differs among the groups. A post-study questionnaire is used to assess performer satisfaction, and ANOVAs are conducted to determine whether satisfaction differs. There is a statistically significant difference in the performances of each group, in ranked order: IF> SCF-GA < SCF-IP. There are no statistically significant differences found for any of the satisfaction questions. Collectively, these results imply that organizations would gain maximum performance increases by providing graphic feedback that displays the individual performances of each individual. Results also show that under these particular experimental conditions, participants do not find the SCF-IP any more aversive than IF or SCF-GA. Participant performance, participant satisfaction, and suggestions for future research are discussed in detail.