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The object-oriented methodology for systems analysis and design has generated considerable interest recently. Object-orientation represents a fundamental shift in focus from the traditional process-oriented approaches that have dominated software development for over two decades. Although there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that systems analysts experienced in process-oriented modeling approaches will find it difficult to apply objective-oriented methodologies, there is no empirical work investigating the relationship between a procedural mindset and an ability to learn and apply object-oriented concepts. Prior research in human problem solving, however, suggests that the efficacy of a systems analysis and design methodology should be judged in the context of the task to which it is applied. To explore the effects of prior experience and task characteristics on performance in systems analysis and design …