The Cognitive Processes and Strategies of an Expert and Novice in the Design of a Wireless Radio Frequency Network

The purpose of this study was to understand the cognitive processes and procedures employed by an expert and a novice engineer in a realistic radio frequency (RF) systems engineering design challenge by using verbal protocol analysis (VPA). The engineering design challenge encompassed engineering, political, and social constraints. The audio data were then transcribed, segmented, and coded for analysis. The processes and strategies of the expert and novice were juxtaposed for analysis. The expert and novice shared some similarities in their cognitive processes and strategies. However, the expert’s domain knowledge and experience was vastly distinct from that of the novice.