Facilitating Function of Animations for Understanding of Spatial Relations: An Aptitude-Treatment-Interaction Study

• In Event: Research on the Design of Multimedia-Based and Animation-Enhanced Instruction

Abstract

The present study examined the facilitating function of animations for the understanding of spatial relations between objects. The task demanded to estimate directions to memorized objects in a spatial scene. Static pictures which required a mental shift of spatial perspective were compared to animations showing perspective shifts externally. Individual differences in perspective taking ability were considered. Results showed a large effect in favor of animations. An aptitude-treatment-interaction was found: The relation between perspective taking ability and accuracy was moderated by type of presentation (static pictures vs. animation). Perspective taking ability played a much stronger role with static pictures than with animations. The present study shows that focused animations can facilitate learning about spatial configurations, independent of spatial ability.

Authors

• Stefan Munzer, University of Mannheim

• Roland Bruenken, Saarland University