Exploring efficient design approaches for display of multidimensional data to facilitate interpretation of information
by Pathiavadi, Chitra S., Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, 2009, 203 pages; 3420611

Abstract:

Prescriptions for effective display of quantitative information involving more than two variables are not available. To explore the effectiveness of retinal variables in facilitating the interpretation of information and decision making when used in conjunction, a study with 135 participants was conducted. The study involved the use of color shape, color value, and value shape as retinal variables in interactive displays that required participants to answer nine questions in three levels of complexity (identification of data points, analyses of local comparisons and global trends). Time-on-task scores and performance scores were measured. In addition, a View Clamp eye tracker system was used and 12 out of the 135 participants completed the task of answering questions while their eye movements were recorded. Repeated measures analysis followed by multiple comparisons of means showed that participants in the color and shape group performed significantly better and faster than color/value and shape/value groups only for questions that involved studying global trends and decision making (level 3). The shape and value group was significantly faster than color and shape group in answering level 1. Color and value as retinal variables produced results that indicated that the two variables when used in conjunction could be suitable for display of data that involved comparison. This needs to be explored further. Eye movements provided further evidence to the feature integration theory (Treisman, 1982) and showed feature search occurred right away as participants entered the display. 78% of those who reported mental strategies indicated that they identified the features used in the display first.

 
AdviserAnn E. Barron
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SourceDAI/A 71-09, p. , Sep 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsInstructional design; Cognitive psychology; Curriculum development
Publication Number3420611
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3420611
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.