A person’s intelligence limits their computer skills more than previously thought, researchers find

A new study has found that intelligence, in the form of general cognitive abilities such as perception, thinking and memory, is more important than previously thought in predicting a person’s ability to perform common tasks with a computer. The study was published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction Studies in August 2024.

“Our research results are the first clear evidence that cognitive abilities have a significant, independent and large-scale effect on people’s ability to use a computer. Contrary to what was previously thought, cognitive abilities are as important as prior experience using a computer,” says Professor Antti Oulasvirta of Aalto University, who has studied human-machine interaction extensively with his team.

These findings have implications for digital equality, the researchers say, because everyday user interfaces have simply become too complex to use. Practice alone is no longer enough, with intelligence becoming an equally critical factor in predicting performance in computing tasks.

“It is clear that differences between individuals cannot be eliminated by training alone; in the future, user interfaces will have to be simplified for easier use. This age-old goal was forgotten at some point, and poorly designed interfaces have become a factor in the digital divide. We will not be able to promote deeper and more equitable use of computers in society if we do not solve this fundamental problem,” says Oulasvirta.

The research was conducted jointly by researchers from the Department of Information and Communications Engineering at Aalto University and the Department of Psychology at the University of Helsinki.

Age remains the most important factor

Subjects from different age groups participated in the study. They were given 18 different tasks and the researchers observed their performance. The tasks included installing software, browsing, using spreadsheets and filling out forms.

The estimation of cognitive abilities is based on a standardized and well-established measurement method in the field. This is the first study to measure the real ability of users to perform everyday tasks on a PC, previous studies relied on self-assessment of participants’ abilities via a questionnaire.

“We know that people can have a false sense of their own abilities, so it was important to measure how well they actually performed the tasks,” says Viljami Salmela, a university professor at the University of Helsinki.

The study provided a wealth of new information about the most vital cognitive abilities. While processing speed is important in computer games, it is not emphasized in everyday computer tasks.

“The study found that working memory, attention and executive functions are particularly important. When using a computer, you have to figure out the order in which things are done and keep in mind what has already been done. Pure mathematical or logical ability is not much help,” Salmela says.

According to Oulasvirta, there are also major differences between applications and user interfaces. “For example, the key to using a spreadsheet is practice, while linguistic abilities are emphasized in information retrieval tasks and executive functions are emphasized in online banking.”

“However, the study results show that age remains the most important factor in an individual’s ability to use apps. Older people clearly take longer to complete tasks and also feel that tasks are more difficult,” Salmela says.