Authors
Francoise Tort, Francois-Marie Blondel, & Eric Bruillard
Abstract
This paper deals with errors in using spreadsheets and analysis of automatic recording of user interaction with spreadsheets.
After a review of literature devoted to spreadsheet errors, we advocate the importance of going from error detection to interaction behaviour analysis. We explain how we analyze screen captures and give the main results we have obtained using this specific methodology with secondary school students (N=24).
Transcription provides general characteristics: time, sequence of performed tasks, unsuccessful attempts and user preferences. Analysis reveals preferred modes of actions (toolbar buttons or menu commands), ways of writing formulas, and typical approaches in searching for solutions.
Time, rhythm and density appear to be promising indicators. We think such an approach (to analyze screen captures) could be used with more advanced spreadsheet users.
Sample
Some errors made by participants.
Our results revealed spreadsheet errors already detailed in previous studies. Some errors are not described in the literature and are difficult to classify in known taxonomies. For example:
- Plotting a series of data available on a line, including the total amount which is displayed at the end of the line.
- Sorting only one column of data instead of the whole table of data.
- Erasing digits after the decimal point of a number in a cell, in order to display only one digit after the decimal point, instead of changing the display format of the cell.
- Using functions in non-conventional manners like
SUM(A1+A2+A3)orPRODUCT(A1*12,5)orSUM(A1*12,5). - Writing successive formulae with relative cell references, instead of writing one formula with an absolute cell reference and copying it with the fill handle.
Publication
2009, EuSpRIG
Full article
From error detection to behaviour observation: First results from screen capture analysis
