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QS: A tool for general data input
Author(s) -
Dewey M. E.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
software: practice and experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1097-024X
pISSN - 0038-0644
DOI - 10.1002/spe.4380141203
Subject(s) - computer science , pace , set (abstract data type) , interview , software , simple (philosophy) , software engineering , usability , simplicity , data entry , human–computer interaction , programming language , information retrieval , philosophy , geodesy , epistemology , political science , law , geography
This paper describes QS, a program which inputs data in a very general format. QS interprets a script, which contains text to be used to prompt the user, and commands which collect the data from the user. This apparently simple description hides an idea of great power, and in this paper examples are provided of the use of the program in three areas. (1) A system for producing questionnaires and psychiatric interview schedules relies on the program to provide a data validation system which is automatically updated to keep pace with changes to the schedules. (2) The program provides a general purpose patient interviewing package. Most current systems are specific to a particular interview, but new interviews can be administered by QS simply by changing the script, which is much simpler than writing a new program. (3) The program also provides a means of presenting multiple choice self assessment examinations, or programmed instruction to students. Again any set of questions can be set, just by writing a new script The design of the program is discussed with reference to the criteria of simplicity, ease of writing and maximum recycling of existing software. The advantages of the tools approach to software design are stressed.