The Effect of Multiple Formats on Understanding Complex Visual Displays

Abstract

Students in introductory science courses frequently have difficulty comprehending complex graphics such as contour maps. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI), because of its ability to convey the same information in different formats, may help students gain necessary graphic interpretation skills. The present research examines effects of graphic presentation formats on interpretation of standard contour maps. Students first practiced reading two temperature maps in either a standard black and white contour or a color-enhanced contour format and were divided into four groups defined by the combination of map formats they received. Students then completed tests using only standard contour maps. Tests examined comprehension of the distribution of sea surface temperature, oceanographic phosphate concentration, and brain activation. Results suggest that having students practice with differently formatted maps of the same information improves later comprehension of standard contour maps. These findings have implications for teaching complex graphics and for computer-assisted instruction design.