The Questionable Effect of Retinal Variables on Information Displays: Implications for Problem Solving and Learning

Abstract

This study challenged the long-held assumption that the “retinal variable,” such as color or shape, used to represent data on an information display influences how well it is interpreted and understood. Forty-eight undergraduates solved problem scenarios by consulting a multivariate display using either color, value, or shape to represent age groups of Indian tourists. The type of retinal variables employed affected neither the accuracy nor latency of question responses, regardless of whether or not the display was in view during testing. However, problem-solving tasks were rated significantly easier to perform when display information was depicted through variation in color versus value.