Can a Reasonable Time Limit Improve the Effective Usage of a Computerized Decision Aid?

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a reasonable time limit on the effective usage of a computerized decision aid. Using current decision making models, a theoretical argument about decision aid usage is developed. This argument is then investigated via two lab experiments. The first experiment determines a reasonable time limit for the task used in the study. The second experiment investigates users’ behavior and heart rate variability under this time limit. The results of our study indicate that the reasonable time limit determined in the first study improved effective utilization of the computerized decision aid. The analysis of heart rate variability provides evidence that the given time constraint improved users’ cognitive coherence.