Miguel I. Aguirre-Urreta
Skip Abstract Section
Abstract
The empirical literature comparing entity relationship and object-oriented modeling techniques, while vibrant, has often yielded equivocal findings. This review employs Norman's (1986) Theory of Action to distinguish between model creation and comprehension studies, and applies and extends the theoretical framework proposed by Gemino and Wand (2004) to highlight and detail several issues that may need further exploration if consistent results in this stream are to be realized. Specifically, this paper explores why and how issues of ontological foundation, training, equivalence of conceptual models, and modeling practices may result in differences between alternative modeling techniques. A comprehensive picture of this literature is provided and a number of potential avenues for future research are proposed.
- Agarwal, R., Sinha, A., and Tanniru, M. (1996), "Cognitive Fit in Requirements Modeling: A Study of Object and Process Methodologies," Journal of Management Information Systems, Vo. 13, No. 2, pp. 137--162. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- Agrawal, R., and Gehani, N. (1989), "ODE (object database and environment): The Language and the Data Model," ACM SIGMOD International Conference on Management of Data, pp. 36--45. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Bajaj, A, Batra, D., Hevner, A., Parsons, J., and Siau, K. "Systems Analysis and Design: Should We Be Researching What We Teach?", Communications of AIS (15), 2005, pp. 478--493.Google Scholar
- Batra, D., and Antony, S. "Novice Errors in Conceptual Database Design", European Journal of Information Systems (3:1), 1994, pp. 57--69.Google Scholar
- Batra, D., and Marakas, G. M. (1995), "Conceptual Data Modeling in Theory and Practice," European Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 185--194.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Batra, D., Hoffer, J., and Bostrom, R. (1990), "Comparing Representations with Relational and EER Models," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 126--139. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Bock, D., and Ryan, T. (1993), "Accuracy in Modeling with Extended Entity Relationship and Object Oriented Data Models", Journal of Database Management, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 30--39.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Bodart, F., Patel, A., Sim, M., and Weber, R. (2001), "Should Optional Properties be Used in Conceptual Modeling? A Theory and Three Empirical Tests," Information Systems Research, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 384--405. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Booch, G. (1999), "UML in Action," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 42, No. 10, pp. 26--28. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Browne, J., and Rogich, M. (2001), "An Empirical Investigation of User Requirements Elicitation: Comparing the Effectiveness of Prompting Techniques," Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 223--249. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Bunge, M. (1977), Treatise on Basic Philosophy: Volume 3: Ontology I: The Furniture of the World. Boston, MA: Reidel, 1977.Google Scholar
- Burton-Jones, A., and Meso, P. (2006), "Conceptualizing Systems for Understanding: An Empirical Test of Decomposition Principles in Object-Oriented Analysis," Information Systems Research, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 38--60. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Burton-Jones, A. and Weber, R. (1999), "Understanding Relationships with Attributes in Entity-Relationship Diagrams," Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Chan, H., Teo, H., and Zeng, X. (2005), "An Evaluation of Novice End-User Computing Performance: Data Modeling, Query Writing, and Comprehension," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Vol. 56, No. 8, pp. 843--853. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Chidambaran, L. (1996), "Relational Development in Computer-Supported Groups," MIS Quarterly, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 143--165. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Davies, I., Green, P., Rosemann, M., Indulska, M., and Gallo, S. (2006), "How Do Practitioners Use Conceptual Modeling in Practice," Data & Knowledge Engineering, Vol. 58, pp. 358--380. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Davis, F. (1989), "Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology," MIS Quarterly, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 319--340.Google ScholarDigital Library
- Dawson, L., and Swatman, P. (1999), "The Use of Object-Oriented Models in Requirements Engineering: A Field Study," Proceedings of the International Conference on Information System. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Dobing, B., and Parsons, J. (2006), "How UML is Used," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 109--114. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Evermann, J., and Wand, Y. (2005a), "Ontology Based Object-Oriented Domain Modeling: Fundamental Concepts," Requirements Engineering, Vol. 10, pp. 146--160. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Evermann, J., and Wand, Y. (2005b), "Toward Formalizing Domain Modeling Semantics in Language Syntax," IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 21--37. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Gemino, A., and Wand, Y. (2003), "Evaluating Modeling Techniques Based on Models of Learning," Communications of the ACM, No. 46, No. 10, pp. 79--84. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Gemino, A., and Wand, Y. (2004), "A Framework for Empirical Evaluation of Conceptual Modeling Techniques," Requirements Engineering, Vol. 9, pp. 248--260.Google ScholarDigital Library
- Gemino, A., and Wand, Y. (2005), "Complexity and Clarity in Conceptual Modeling: Comparison of Mandatory and Optional Properties," Data & Knowledge Engineering, Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 301--326. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Green, P., and Rosemann, M. (2004), "Applying Ontologies to Business and Systems Modeling Techniques and Perspectives: Lessons Learned," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 105--117.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Guarino, N., and Guizzardi, G. (2006), "In the Defense of Ontological Foundations for Conceptual Modeling," Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 115--126.Google Scholar
- Hailpern, B., and Tarr, P. (2006), "Model Driven Development: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 451--462. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Hardgrave, B., and Dalal, N. (1995), "Comparing Object-Oriented and Extended-Entity-Relationship Data Models," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 15--21.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Hitchman, S. (1999). "Ternary Relationships-To Three or Not to Three, Is There a Question?," European Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 8, pp.224--231. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Johnson, R., and Marakas, G. (2000), "Research Report: The Role of Behavioral Modeling in Computer Skills Acquisition-Toward a Refinement of the Model", Information Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 402--417. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Khatri, V., and Vessey, I. (2006), "Does Application Domain Really Matter? A Content Analysis of Its Role in Conceptual Schema Understanding," SIG IS-CORE Workshop.Google Scholar
- Khatri, V., Vessey, I., Ramesh, V., Clay, P., and Park, S-J. (2006), "Understanding Conceptual Schemas: Exploring the Role of Application and IS Domain Knowledge," Information Systems Research, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 81--99. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Kobryn, C. (2004), "UML 3.0 and the Future of Modeling," Software and Systems Modeling, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 4--8.Google ScholarDigital Library
- Kroenke, D. (1991), Database Management, 4th ed., MacMillan Publishing Company.Google Scholar
- Larkin, J., and Simon, H. "When a Diagram is (Sometimes) Worth Ten Thousand Words," Cognitive Science, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 65--100.Google Scholar
- Lee, H., and Choi, B. (1998), "A Comparative Study of Conceptual Data Modeling Techniques," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 26--35. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Liao, C., and Palvia, P. (2000), "The Impact of Data Models and Task Complexity on End-User Performance: An Experimental Investigation," International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Vol. 52, pp. 831--845. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Lyytinen, K. (2006), "Ontological Foundations of Conceptual Modeling by Boris Wyssusek-A Critical Response," Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 81--84.Google Scholar
- Mao, J., and Benbasat, I. (2000), "Knowledge-Based Systems: Cognitive Perspectives and a Process-Tracing Analysis," Journal of Management Information Systems, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 153--179. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Marakas, G., and Elam, J. (1998), "Semantic Structuring in Analyst Acquisition and Representation of Facts in Requirements Analysis," Information Systems Research, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 37--63. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Milton, S., and Kazmierczak, E. (2004), "An Ontology of Data Modeling Languages: A Study Using a Common-Sense Realistic Ontology," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 15, No.2, pp. 19--38.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Milton, S., and Kazmierczak, E. (2006), "Ontology as Meta-Theory: A Perspective," Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 85--94.Google Scholar
- Navathe, S. (1992), "Evolution of Data Modeling for Databases," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 35, No. 9, pp. 112--123. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Norman, D. (1986), "Cognitive Engineering," in User Centered Design: New Perspectives on Human Computer Interaction. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, pp. 31--61.Google Scholar
- Opdahl, A., and Henderson-Sellers, B. (2002), "Ontological Evaluation of the UML Using the Bunge-Wand-Weber Model," Software and Systems Modeling, Vol. 1, pp. 43--67.Google Scholar
- Pelled, L, Einsehardt, K., and Xin, K. (1999), "Exploring the Black Box: An Analysis of Work Group Diversity, Conflict, and Performance," Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 1--28.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Rosemann, M., and Green P. (2002), "Developing a Meta Model for the Bunge-Wand-Weber Ontological Constructs," Information Systems, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 75--91. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Ryan, S., Bordoloi, B., and Harrison, D. (2000), "Acquiring Conceptual Data Modeling Skills: The Effect of Cooperative Learning and Self-Efficacy on Learning Outcomes," The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 9--24. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Schwarz, A., Mehta, M., Johnson, N., and Chin, W. (2007), "Understanding Frameworks and Reviews: A Commentary to Assist us in Moving Our Field Forward by Analyzing Our Past," The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 29--50. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Sein, M., and Bostrom, R. (1989), "Individual Differences and Conceptual Models in Training Novice Users," Human-Computer Interaction, Vol. 4, pp. 197--229.Google ScholarDigital Library
- Selic, B., Ramackers, G., and Kobryn, C. (2002), "Evolution, Not Revolution," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 45, No. 11, pp. 70--72. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Shanks, G., Tansley, E., and Weber, R. (2003), "Using Ontology to Validate Conceptual Models," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 46, No. 10, pp. 85--89. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Shanks, G., Tansley, E., Nuredini, J., Tobin, D., and Weber, R. (2002), "Representing Part-whole Relationships in Conceptual Modeling: An Empirical Evaluation," in Applegate, L. and Galliers, R. (Eds). Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems.Google Scholar
- Shoval, P., and Frumermann, I. (1994), "OO and EER Conceptual Schemas: A Comparison of User Comprehension," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 28--38.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Shoval, P., and Shiran, S. (1997), "Entity-Relationship and Object-Oriented Data Modeling-An Experimental Comparison of Design Quality," Data & Knowledge Engineering, Vol. 21, pp. 297--315. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Siau, K. (2004), "Informational and Computational Equivalence in Comparing Information Modeling Methods," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 73--86.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Siau, K., Erickson, J., and Lee, L. (2005), "Theoretical vs. Practical Complexity: The Case of UML," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 40--57.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Sinha, A., and Vessey, I. (1999), "An Empirical Investigation of Entity-Based and Object-Oriented Data Modeling: A Development Lifecycle Approach," Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Srinivasan, A., and Te'Eni, D. (1995), "Modeling as Constrained Problem Solving: An Empirical Study of the Data Modeling Process," Management Science, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 419--434. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Todd, P., and Benbasat, I. (1987), "Process Tracing Methods in Decision Support Systems Research: Exploring the Black Box," MIS Quarterly, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 493--512. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Topi, H. and Ramesh, V. (2002), "Human Factors Research on Data Modeling: A Review of Prior Research, An Extended Framework and Future Research Directions," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 3--19.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Veres, C. and Mansson, G. (2005), "Cognition and Modeling: Foundations for Research and Practice," Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 93--104.Google Scholar
- Wand, Y., and Weber, R. (1993), "On the Ontological Expressiveness of Information Systems Analysis and Design Grammars," Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 3, pp. 217--237.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Wand, Y., and Weber, R. (2002), "Information Systems and Conceptual Modeling-A Research Agenda," Information Systems Research, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 363--376. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Wand, Y., and Weber, R. "On Ontological Foundations of Conceptual Modeling: A Response to Wyssusek," Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 127--138.Google Scholar
- Wand, Y., Storey, V., and Weber, R. (1999), "An Ontological Analysis of the Relationship Construct in Conceptual Modeling," ACM Transactions on Database Systems, Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 494--528. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Weber, R. (2003), "Conceptual Modeling and Ontology: Possibilities and Pitfalls," Journal of Database Management, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 1--20.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Weber, R. (1997), Ontological Foundations of Information Systems: Coopers & Lybrand Research Methodology No. 4. Melbourne; Coopers & Lybrand.Google Scholar
- Wyssusek, B. (2006), "On Ontological Foundations of Conceptual Modeling," Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 63--80.Google Scholar
Index Terms
- Comparing conceptual modeling techniques: a critical review of the EER vs. OO empirical literature
Recommendations
Comparing traditional conceptual modeling with ontology-driven conceptual modeling: An empirical study
AbstractThis paper conducts an empirical study that explores the differences between adopting a traditional conceptual modeling (TCM) technique and an ontology-driven conceptual modeling (ODCM) technique with the objective to understand and ...
Highlights- Empirical study on adopting a traditional conceptual modeling technique and an ontology-driven conceptual modeling technique.
Modeling difficulties in creating conceptual data models: Multimodal studies on individual modeling processes
AbstractConceptual modeling is a learning task essential to students of computer science, software engineering and related programs. Construed as a complex task, surprisingly little is known about the actual act of conceptual modeling, and about modeling ...
Empirical investigations of conceptual modeling and the modeling process
WSC '07: Proceedings of the 39th conference on Winter simulation: 40 years! The best is yet to comeConceptual modeling, deciding what to include in the model, is a very important task in the modeling process. However, it has so far received relatively little attention in the literature and there is a lack of empirical data. This paper describes three ...
Comments