Decision Support Systems Process Tracing Using Hypermedia

Two main alternative approaches to analyzing decision processes--implicit input/output inference models and explicit tracing of observable decision process manifestations-are reviewed with emphasis on explicit tracing methods. An emerging technology, hypermedia, is then examined as to how it may facilitate the process tracing method of decision making analysis. Examples are presented of mappings between hypermedia computer/user interface functions (such as mouse movements and mouse clicks) and underlying decision process functions. Issues of data quality, breadth of application, and implementation cost are discussed. Hypermedia process tracing is compared with other process tracing methods, including monitoring of eye movements, verbal protocols, and non hypermedia computerized logging. Advantages and disadvantages of the hypermedia approach are identified. Further directions for the application of hypermedia process tracing include areas related to information retrieval, use of models, study of user interfaces, and the potential for using the techniques to identify and compare cognitive processes of decision makers.