Cognitive abilities predict performance in everyday computer tasks

Fluency with computer applications has assumed a crucial role in work-related and other day-to-day activities. While prior experience is known to predict performance in tasks involving computers, the effects of more stable factors like cognitive abilities remain unclear. Here, we report findings from a controlled study ( N = 88 ) covering a wide spectrum of commonplace applications, from spreadsheets to video conferencing. Our main result is that cognitive abilities exert a significant, independent, and broad-based effect on computer users’ performance. In particular, users with high working memory, executive control, and perceptual reasoning ability complete tasks more quickly and with greater success while experiencing lower mental load. Remarkably, these effects are similar to or even larger in magnitude than the effects of prior experience in using computers and in completing tasks similar to those encountered in our study. However, the effects are varying and application-specific. We discuss the role that user interface design bears on decreasing ability-related differences, alongside benefits this could yield for functioning in society. • Cognitive abilities predict people’s ability to complete common tasks with computers. • Their effect is significant, independent, and broad-based. • High abilities predict high success rate, fast completion time, and low mental load. • Working memory and executive functioning bear the largest effects. • Differences in cognitive abilities should be better accounted for in design.