computerized keys

[D.R.Morse at UKC.AC.UK]

Followup to a posting from Lawrence Kirkendall <Lawrence.Kirkendall at ZOO.UIB.NO>

> >I am interested in scanning insect keys, creating a database, including
> >illustrations with the couplets, etc. There are several ways to go on
> >this; what do you think? I really want to hear from anyone with firsthand
> >experience...

We have been experimenting with such an approach, but focussing on
the usability of keys.  Specifically, whether existing keys can be made
any easier to use by using hypertext to present them.  Preliminary
results have been encouraging (see Wright et al. 1995 for a discussion
of the approach and a small trial, and Edwards & Morse 1995 for a
review of computer-based identification techniques).

I have just completed a large three-way trial of the original paper key, a
hypertext version, and a multi-access key (to the same group - woodlice)
at the University of Sheffield.  I don't want to prejudge the results,
(which examined a number of issues as well as preference) but my
subjective impression is that students were keen to use the
computer-based keys rather than the paper key when they were asked to
make further identifications after the trial.

> Please do not accidentally respond directly to Beall (e.g. by hitting
> "Return" since this list is set up to repy to sender rather than to the
> group)--this is something many of us are wondering about...
> Also, remember to specify whether a given method is operating system
> dependent (only PC, only Mac, whatever).

It depends which hypertext package you use.  We use PC-based packages,
but could have used Mac's or the WWW.  A separate issue, particularly
with the latter, is who holds the copyright on the original key, and
do they mind you scanning their key?

References:
Edwards, M., & Morse, D.R. (1995).  The potential for computer-aided
identification in biodiversity research. {\em Trends in Ecology and Evolution},
10: 152-158.

Wright, J.F., Morse, D.R. & Tardivel, G.M. (1995).  An investigation
into the use of hypertext as a user interface to taxonomic keys.
{\em Computer Applications in the Biosciences}, 11: 19-27.

David Morse.

--
Dr David Morse,            Email: D.R.Morse at ukc.ac.uk
Computing Laboratory,      Phone: (01227) 764000 extn 7571
University of Kent,        Fax:   (01227) 762811
Canterbury,
Kent CT2 7NF. UK.
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