STARTING POINT

Interface styles vary in the amounts of information made available to users (externalization). Using external representations (providing context sensitivity) can make a task easier, but isn't always better than using internal ones. We expect that having to internalize knowledge elements yourself instead, will aid in later stages of problem solving, result in better knowledge, and will be of advantage with similar tasks (transfer). Results 1. There were no differences in correctness and time 2. Internalization resulted in better knowledge afterwards, in first session 3. Internalization resulted in smarter solution routes 4. Months later, however, the same internalization subjects did perform better on • the same task (balls & boxes) • a transfer task (missionaries & cannibals) Future experiments The results so far are encouraging. The notion that (too) much assistance by providing context-sensitive feedback in the interface can have negative consequences is partly confirmed. We will broaden the research to different instructions and time pressure. But more importantly we will focus on more realistic, less repetitive applications/situations where planning is involved like a spreadsheet application where the task is " conference planning ". It is a more realistic task where planning itself is the aim. We expect that internalization will lead to smarter behavior and more planning and contemplation.