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CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES

COLLEGE of COMPUTER STUDIES

Human - Computer Problem - Solving

Abstract

Human computer problem solving had a big contribution to humanity in the past years, it

become much more -easier to people to solve complex problem using computer.

In this paper, we take a visual analytics approach towards an operational model of the human-

computer system. In particular, the approach combines ideas from (human-centered) interactive

visualization and cognitive science. The model we derive is a first step on the path to a more complete

evaluated and validated model. However, even at this stage important design principles can be

extracted for visual analytics systems that closely couple automated analyses with human analytic

reasoning and decision-making. These improved systems can then be applied effectively to difficult,

open-ended problems involving complex data. Another advantage of this approach is that specific gaps

are revealed in both visual analytics methods and cognitive science understanding that must be filled in

order to create the most effective systems. Related to this is that the resulting visual analytics systems

built upon the well-developed human-computer model will provide testbeds to further evaluate and

extend cognitive science principles.

Introduction

This paper presents a visual analytics approach towards a new human-computer model that

considers both the human and the computer working together as an integrated system. In particular,

the human-computer model embeds human cognition, including analytic reasoning and decision-

making, within a computational framework that includes automated analyses. Previous work has

considered the human-computer system without much detail on the computing side. Further, more

depth and more

insight from cognitive science is required. This paper addresses both these issues and in doing so brings

together insights from interactive visualization, analytics, and cognitive science into a new model. The

new model leads to important design principles that can then be used to implement systems to attack

open-ended, challenging problems involving complex data. These systems and their applications can

then be evaluated, and the approaches tuned and improved. Since the connection is made to some
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COLLEGE of COMPUTER STUDIES

fundamental cognitive science principles, the systems also provide testbeds to further evaluate and

extend these principles. The next sections of the paper provide an overview of some main ideas from

cognitive science that are relevant to the human-computer model. This is followed by a discussion of the

new human-computer model derived from these insights. Design principles can be derived and enacted

based on this model. The new model also defines an enhanced approach to problem-solving through

externalizing knowledge and keeping the investigator in the cognitive zone. Finally, the discussion

reveals important next steps that should be pursued in order to operationalize the model.

Methodology

The methodological approach we used in our analysis report is qualitative. We used this

approach to discuss and make an analysis report about Human-computer problem-solving. Qualitative

research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand

concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate

new ideas for research.

Results and Discussion

Problem Solving Using Computer

Computer based problem solving is a systematic process of designing, implementing and using

programming tools during the problem solving stage. This method enables the computer system to be

more intuitive with human logic than machine logic. Final outcome of this process is software tools

which is dedicated to solve the problem under consideration. Software is just a collection of computer

programs and programs are a set of instructions which guides computer’s hardware. These instructions

need to be well specified for solving the problem. After its creation, the software should be error free

and well documented. Software development is the process of creating such software, which satisfies

end user’s requirements and needs.

The following six steps must be followed to solve a problem using computer.
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CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
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COLLEGE of COMPUTER STUDIES

Problem Analysis, Program Design - Algorithm, Flowchart and Pseudocode, Coding, Compilation and

Execution, Debugging and Testing Program Documentation

Problem Analysis Problem analysis is the process of defining a problem and decomposing overall system

into smaller parts to identify possible inputs, processes and outputs associated with the problem. This

task is further subdivided into six subtasks namely:

Specifying the Objective:

First, we need to know what problem is actually being solved. Making a clear statement of the

problem depends upon the size and complexity of the problem. Smaller problems not involving multiple

subsystems can easily be stated and then we can move onto the next step of “Program Design”.

However, a problem interacting with various subsystems and series of programs require complex

analysis, in-depth research and careful coordination of people, procedures and programs.

Specifying the Output:

Before identifying inputs required for the system, we need to identify what comes out of the

system. The best way to specify output is to prepare some output forms and required format for

displaying result. The best person to judge an output form is the end user of the system i.e. the one who

uses the software to his benefit. Various forms can be designed by the programmer which must be

examined to see whether they are useful or not.

Specifying Input Requirements:

After having specified the outputs, the input and data required for the system need to be

specified as well. One needs to identify the list of inputs required and the source of data. For example, in

a simple program to keep student’s record, the inputs could be the student’s name, address, roll-

numbers, etc. The sources could be the students themselves or the person supervising them.

Specifying Processing Requirements:

When output and inputs are specified, we need to specify process that converts specified inputs

into desired output. If the proposed program is to replace or supplement an existing one, a careful

evaluation of the present processing procedures needs to be made, noting any improvements that could
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COLLEGE of COMPUTER STUDIES

made. If the proposed system is not designed to replace an existing system, then it is well advised to

carefully evaluate another system that addresses a similar problem.

Evaluating the Feasibility:

After the successful completion of all the above four steps one needs to see whether the things

accomplished so far in the process of problem solving are practical and feasible. To replace an existing

system one needs to determine how the potential improvements outperforms existing system or other

similar system. Problem Analysis Documentation Before concluding the program analysis stage, it is best

to record whatever has been done so far in the first phase of program development. The record should

contain the statement of program objectives, output and input specifications, processing requirements

and feasibility.

Program Design

The second stage in problem solving using computer cycle is program design. This stage consists

of preparing algorithms, flowcharts and pseudocodes. Generally, this stage intends to make the program

more user friendly, feasible and optimized. Programmer just requires a pen and pencil in this step in

which the tasks are first converted into a structured layout without the involvement of computer. In

structured programming, a given task is divided into number of sub-tasks which are termed as modules.

Each process is further divided until no further divisions are required. This process of dividing a program

into modules and then into sub-modules is known as “top down” design approach. Dividing a program

into modules (functions) breaks down a given programming task into small, independent and

manageable tasks. In program design we are mainly interested in designing.

Flowchart and Pseudocode

Flowcharts (Guidelines, Advantages & Disadvantages) Flowchart is basically a pictorial or

diagrammatic representation of an algorithm using standard symbols. In other words, flowchart is a

graphical representation that explains the sequence of operations to be performed in order to solve a

problem under consideration. Standard Flowchart Symbols to express different operations in the

flowchart various standard symbols are used. All symbols are connected among themselves in order to

show the flow of information and processing. Flowchart Symbols Guidelines for Preparing Flowchart

Following guidelines must be followed while preparing the flowcharts: Standard symbols should be used
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COLLEGE of COMPUTER STUDIES

while drawing flowchart. Ensure that flowchart has START (or BEGIN) and STOP (or END). Flowchart

should be neat, clean and easy to follow. There should be no any ambiguity. The usual direction of

flowchart is from top to bottom or from left to right. The terminal symbol, that is, START/BEGIN or

STOP/END should have only one flow line. Only one flow line should come out from process symbol.

Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol, but two or three flow-lines, one for each possible

answer, can leave the decision symbol. If the flowchart is lengthy and complex connector symbol should

be used to reduce the number of flow lines. Avoid intersection of flow lines. Use annotation symbol to

describe steps more clearly.

Coding (Programming)

In this stage, process of writing actual program takes place. A coded program is most popularly

referred to as a source code. The coding process can be done in any language (high level and low level).

The actual use of computer takes place in this stage in which the programmer writes a sequence of

instructions ready for execution. Coding is also known as programming. Good program possess following

characteristics: Comment clauses in the program help to make the program readable and

understandable by people other than the original programmer. It should be efficient. It must be reliable

enough to work under all reasonable conditions to provide a correct output. It must be able to detect

unreasonable error conditions and report them to the end user or programmer without crashing the

system. It should be easy to maintain and support after installation.

Compilation and Execution

Process Generally coding is done in high level language or low level language (assembly

language). For the computer to understand these languages, they must be translated into machine level

language. The translation process is carried out by a compiler/interpreter (for high level language) or an

assembler (for assembly language program). The machine language code thus created can be saved and

run immediately or later on. In an interpreted program, each program statement is converted into

machine code before program is executed. The execution occurs immediately one statement at a time

sequentially. BASIC is one of the frequently used interpreted language. In contrast to interpreter, a

compiler converts a given source code into object code. Once an object code is obtained, the compiled

programs can be faster and more efficient than interpreted programs. Compilation Process A source
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code must go through several steps before it becomes an executable program. In the first step the

source code is checked for any syntax errors. After the syntax errors are traced out a source file is

passed through a compiler which first translates high level language into object code (A machine code

not ready to be executed). A linker then links the object code with pre-compiled library functions, thus

creating an executable program. This executable program is then loaded into the memory for execution.

Program (Programmer's and User's) Documentation

The program documentation is the process of collecting information about the program. The

documentation process starts from the problem analysis phase to debugging and testing.

Conclusion

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary subject that focuses on computer design and

user experience. It brings together expertise from computer science, cognitive psychology, behavioural

science, and design to understand and facilitate better interactions between users and machines. Why is

it important? Employers like to see good problem solving skills because it also helps to show them you

have a range of other competencies such as logic, creativity, resilience, imagination, lateral thinking and

determination. It is a vital - skills for your professional and personal life. Solving problems means making

choices. Typically, effective problem-solving skills result in “happier, more confident, and more

independent” individuals. When children tackle problems on their own, or in a group, they become

resilient. They learn to look at challenges from a fresh perspective. Human-computer interaction allows

companies to make technological products accessible to individuals with disabilities. It helps UX

designers and other professionals understand every user's needs relating to technology. It shows that

not all users interact with technology in the same way. Complex problems A complex problem is one

that, at first glance, does not have an obvious, immediate solution. Computational thinking involves

taking that complex problem and breaking it down into a series of small, more manageable problems.

Each of these smaller problems can then be looked at individually. Next, simple steps to solve each of

the smaller problems can be designed. Finally, these simple steps are used to program a computer to

help solve the complex problem in the best way. Computers can be used to help solve problems.

However, before a problem can be tackled, the problem itself - and the ways in which it could be solved
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- needs to be understood. Computational thinking helps with this. It allows us to take a complex

problem, understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions. These solutions can then be

presented in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand.

References

[1] William Ribarsky. 20016. The Human-Computer System: Towards an Operational Model for Problem
Solving. Retrieved November 25, 2022 from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300408988_The_HumanComputer_System_Towards_an_Op
erational_Model_for_Problem_Solving

List of Collaborators

Johnlery E. Mirandilla

 Abstract

 Methodology