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The Effect of a Computerized Decision Aid on the Development of Knowledge

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Abstract

This study provides evidence on how the use of a computerized decision aid affects knowledge acquisition. While the intent of such computer-based decision aids is to improve and support unaided human judgments, it is unclear whether the use of the aids actually facilitate knowledge transfer. Seventy-six subjects completed a hypothetical decision task where one of two types of decision aids was used: an expert system or traditional textual materials. Results suggest that those using a computer-based decision aid acquired and encoded in memory less declarative knowledge than those using textual reference materials. Implications of the findings are discussed.

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Correspondence to Tamara K. Kowalczyk.

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Brody, R.G., Kowalczyk, T.K. & Coulter, J.M. The Effect of a Computerized Decision Aid on the Development of Knowledge. Journal of Business and Psychology 18, 157–174 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027392930298

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