Data Visualization Literacy of Youth and Adult Science Museum Visitors

• In Event: 72.066 - Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: 72.066-9 - Surrounded by Science: Informal Learning in Museums, Media, and After-School and Everyday Contexts

Abstract

This study examined the data visualization literacy of 273 science museum visitors. Each individual/group examined five visualizations from twenty possible, while responding to a set of related questions. Results from qualitative analysis of three of these questions reveal several themes. Age factors into recognition of visuals as adults recognized the visuals 69% of the time versus only 55% of youths. School is the most common place that visuals are seen regardless of age. Colors, objects, and item size were cited as key aspects for reading the visuals. Lastly, few respondents correctly named the type of visual when asked. Contrary to the widespread use of data visualizations, these findings demonstrate a very low data visualization literacy for youth and adults.

Authors

• Katy Borner, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Russ Balliet, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Adam V. Maltese, Indiana University

• Stephen Miles Uzzo, New York Hall of Science