Data Model Comprehension: An Empirical Comparison of ER and UML Class Diagrams

We present the results of two controlled experiments to compare ER and UML class diagrams, in order to find out which of the models provides better support during the comprehension of data models. The experiment involved Master and Bachelor students performing comprehension tasks on data models represented by ER or UML class diagrams. The achieved results show that UML class diagrams significantly improve the comprehension level achieved by subjects. Moreover, having different subjects with different levels of ability and experience allowed us to also make some considerations on the influence of such factors on the comprehension performances.