User cognitive types for decision support systems

This paper describes and presents the results of an experiment that was used to investigate the relationships between cognitive types, information presentation and their effect on decision making performance within the context of an MIS/DSS. The experimental task required subjects to specify production levels for future periods given information on prior results. Ninety-six subjects performed the experiment, with 24 in each of the four Jungian cognitive type groups. All subjects received the same information for making decisions but different information presentation modes. The information presentation modes included raw and statistically summarized data and graphical and tabular layouts. The subjects were provided their results after each of their ten decision ‘runs’ via hard copy output. Decisions were entered at CRT terminals by the subjects. Experimental results demonstrated significant differences in performance by cognitive types. Decision performance rankings were partially supported by the results. Hypothesized pairings of cognitive types and information presentation modes were also partially supported. Implications of the results for MIS/DSS design are explored.