Object-oriented modeling: An empirical investigation into the effectiveness of object-oriented modeling

This paper will report on a study done to compare the ability of subjects to identify objects from a problem statement. Specifically, it will report on the comparative ability of subjects to identify objects vis-a-vis processes. The argument is made that if object concepts are indeed more natural than process centered concepts then the correct and accurate identification of initial problem domain elements based on object concepts should be better than those based on "processes." It is argued that the accurate construction of a system model requires accurate identification and structuring of the basic elements in the problem domain. The findings of the study showed that subjects using a basic OO approach to identifying the primary problem elements did not outperform those using a process centered (functional) approach.