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Research Report—The Relevance of Application Domain Knowledge: The Case of Computer Program Comprehension

Author

Listed:
  • Teresa M. Shaft

    (Quantitative Methods and Management Information Systems, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104)

  • Iris Vessey

    (Accounting and Information Systems, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405)

Abstract

The field of software, has, to date, focused almost exclusively on application-independent approaches. In this research, we demonstrate the role of application domain knowledge in the processes used to comprehend computer programs. Our research sought to reconcile two apparently conflicting theories of computer program comprehension by proposing a key role for knowledge of the application domain under examination. We argue that programmers use more top-down comprehension processes when they are familiar with the application domain. When the application domain is unfamiliar, programmers use processes that are more bottom-up in nature. We conducted a protocol analysis study of 24 professional programmers comprehending programs in familiar and unfamiliar application domains. Our findings confirm our thesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa M. Shaft & Iris Vessey, 1995. "Research Report—The Relevance of Application Domain Knowledge: The Case of Computer Program Comprehension," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 6(3), pages 286-299, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orisre:v:6:y:1995:i:3:p:286-299
    DOI: 10.1287/isre.6.3.286
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    Cited by:

    1. Santanu Roy & Jay Mitra, 2015. "Strategic Capabilities for Public Sector-led Innovation: Managing Knowledge Worker Deployment at and Quality Performance of Public R&D Laboratories in India," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 1(2), pages 181-200, July.
    2. Karen Ruckman & Nilesh Saraf & Vallabh Sambamurthy, 2015. "Market Positioning by IT Service Vendors Through Imitation," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 26(1), pages 100-126, March.
    3. Vijay Khatri & Iris Vessey & V. Ramesh & Paul Clay & Sung-Jin Park, 2006. "Understanding Conceptual Schemas: Exploring the Role of Application and IS Domain Knowledge," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 17(1), pages 81-99, March.

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