User Database Interaction

Many data models and query languages (or interfaces) have been proposed, and enhancements or modifications continue to be proposed, adding to the variety. It is important to have empirical studies of how users actually perform with these data models and interfaces. It is important to differentiate the good and bad concepts from the perspectives of users. Knowledge arising from such studies can be applied in the design of training courses for users, in the communication processes between users and database personnel, and in the design or modification of data models and interfaces.

There are many factors that affect user performance during user-database interaction. Besides individual characteristics, the most important factors are data model (relational, entity-relationship, object-oriented), query language (SQL, KQL, OQL), abstraction level or representational realism (physical, logical, conceptual), query complexity (simple, complex), query format (text, visual), query syntax (formal, natural) and system feedback. Many empirical studies have been conducted.