An Empirical Exploration of Working Memory, Selective Attention and Reasoning During the Comprehension of Process Models

Moving toward a digital environment poses com-plex challenges for organizations. Digital blueprints, or pro-cess models, are crucial for facilitating digital transformation. However, it is vital to ensure that all stakeholders correctly understand these models to reap their benefits. Despite extensive research on process model comprehension, there is still a lack of in-depth knowledge about the role of cognitive aspects. To address this gap, this paper presents the findings of an empirical study that evaluated the predictive value of cognitive skills, namely working memory, selective attention, and reasoning, on process model comprehension. The study involved 50 partici-pants, and the analysis revealed that higher reasoning abilities were associated with better comprehension, emphasizing the critical role of this cognitive skill in understanding process models.