Dixon, P. (1982). Plans and written directions for complex tasks. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 21(1), 70-84.

Dixon, P.

1987

Dixon, P. (1982). Plans and written directions for complex tasks. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 21(1), 70-84.

studie 2

Sentence reading time was measured while subjects followed a set of multistep directions for operating an unfamiliar electronic device. Sentences were read faster when action information (e.g., Turn the left knob) came first and condition information (e.g., The alpha meter should read 20) came second. This effect was observed when the condition information was an antecedent or a consequent of the action, when the action was in the main or subordinate clause, and when the action was performed immediately or from memory. This robust result suggests that procedural directions are organized internally around the actions to be performed, and that condition information is remembered only with respect to particular actions. In this view, action-first sentences are easier to understand because they provide the information in the order in which it is needed.

The results suggest that plans are organized around actions, rather than in a strict temporal sequence. In the immediate performance condition, sentence 3 was read faster when the action was stated first and the condition stated second.

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