Using Sex Differences to Link Spatial Cognition and Program Comprehension

Spatial cognition and program development have both been examined using contrasting models. We suggest that sex-based differences in one’s perception of risk is the key to relating these models. Specifically, the survey map approach to navigation and the top-down development/comprehension strategy use similar and related high risk cognitive skills that males show a preference towards. Conversely, the route-based approach to navigation and the bottom-up development/comprehension strategy use similar and related low risk cognitive skills that women show a preference towards. On the assumption that programmers are consistent in their risk-taking behaviours, we believe that they will, as much as possible, tend to use the same strategy when performing program development and comprehension. In an experimental setting, we compare programmer’s performance on spatial cognition and program comprehension tasks. The correlations that we found suggest that programmers use equivalently risky s...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: ICSM
• Authors: Maryanne Fisher, Anthony Cox, Lin Zhao
• Keywords: Cognitive Skills, ICSM 2006, Risk Cognitive Skills, Software Engineering, Spatial Cognition