An experimental study of various graphic, tabular, and textual methods of presenting quantitative material

A short account of the economic history of Florence was prepared in several different forms, alike in most respects but differing from each other in changes in the methods of presentation introduced at stated points. Each form was tried out on from 200 to 300 pupils in a junior high school. The purp...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of educational psychology 1927-09, Vol.18 (6), p.361-376
Main Author: Washburne, J. N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Experimental Methods
Graphical Displays
Human
Learning
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A short account of the economic history of Florence was prepared in several different forms, alike in most respects but differing from each other in changes in the methods of presentation introduced at stated points. Each form was tried out on from 200 to 300 pupils in a junior high school. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the effect on learning of different devices used in the presentation of the material. Among these were: a statistical table, a bar graph, a pictograph or a line graph, and data presented in narrative form. Some rather definite conclusions are drawn. Bar graphs are best in presenting complex or slightly complex static comparisons, but for extremely simple static comparisons the pictograph is best. For dynamic comparisons the line graph showed up best. Specific amounts are best presented in round numbers in a statistical table. It is a poor plan to present numerical data textually.
ISSN:0022-0663
1939-2176
DOI:10.1037/h0074758