Using the Data Modeling Worksheet to Improve Novice Data Modeler Performance

Authors

Douglas B. Bock, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Susan E. Yager, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

Abstract

This research reports on use and evaluation of the data modeling worksheet as a pedagogical tool for improving a student's ability to learn the extended entity-relationship data modeling methodology. A laboratory experiment using a modified posttest only, control group design compared the performance of two student subject groups. One group used the data modeling worksheet as an integral component of their instruction on database design. A second control group did not use the worksheet, but that group received comparable training in every other respect. Subjects were tasked to develop a data model that represented a textual description of a data modeling problem. The data analysis used a one-way ANOVA to evaluate eight hypotheses, each representing a facet of the data modeling methodology. The results indicate that the data modeling worksheet significantly improved student learning with regard to their ability to identify entities, entity identifier attributes, and ternary relationships.

Recommended Citation

Bock, Douglas B. and Yager, Susan E. (2005) "Using the Data Modeling Worksheet to Improve Novice Data Modeler Performance," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 16 : Iss. 3 , 341-350.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol16/iss3/12