Thinking Graphically: Connecting Vision and Cognition during Graph Comprehension

Authors: Raj M Ratwani, J Gregory Trafton, Deborah A Boehm-Davis

Description:
Task analytic theories of graph comprehension account for the perceptual and conceptual processes required to extract specific information from graphs. Comparatively, the processes underlying information integration have received less attention. We propose a new framework for information integration that highlights visual integration and cognitive integration. During visual integration, pattern recognition processes are used to form visual clusters of information; these visual clusters are then used to reason about the graph during cognitive integration. In 3 experiments, the processes required to extract specific information and to integrate information were examined by collecting verbal protocol and eye movement data. Results supported the task analytic theories for specific information extraction and the processes of visual and cognitive integration for integrative questions. Further, the integrative processes scaled …

Article Link: http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA480055