A study on efficient input methods for data obtained from the CFSI (Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index) questionnaire

Abstract

The present study examines efficient input methods for data obtained from the CFSI (Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index) questionnaire. The data consist of 81 ‘_??_’ or ‘×’ (yes or no) marks per sheet, in which the number of ‘_??_’s is usually far fewer than the number of ‘×’s. The following three methods were evaluated: A) Subjects input ‘1’ or ‘2’ instead of ‘_??_’ or ‘×’ using a numerical keypad; B) Subjects input the question numbers marked with ‘_??_’ using a numerical keypad; C) Subjects click on the boxes next to the question numbers marked with ‘_??_’ using a mouse. The 43 subjects from age 20 to 24 years were divided into two groups: 18 subjects who could touch-type and 25 subjects who could not. Each subject was then asked to input 15 sheets of data using each of the three methods. The results are summarized as follows.
1) A numerical keypad was superior as an input device to a mouse whether the subjects could touch-type or not.
2) For both groups, the most efficient method of input changed from method B to method A as the number of ‘_??_’s to be entered increased. The turning point in the number of ‘_??_’s was 17 for touch-typists, and 15 for non-touch-typists.