Poster #26 - Scaffolding Visual Comparison Through Spatial Alignment

• In Event: 21.063 - MTCC Poster Session Three
  In Poster Session: 21.063-2 - Social and Cognitive Influences on Academic Performance

Abstract

Grasping concepts with spatial-relational structure can be facilitated by comparing visual representations, so that key parts of the spatial structure are highlighted. Although visual comparison is common in education, few theories suggest ways to optimally arrange visuals in space. An exception to this is the spatial alignment principle, which suggests that visual comparison is more effective when the correspondence lines between matching components run perpendicular to their structural axes (Authors, under review). The present experiment tested this principle in biological comparisons of skeletal structures, and found that this direct placement led to more accurate comparison than other placements. We conclude with preliminary findings from ongoing exploratory research on the frequency and format of visual alignments in educational materials.

Authors

• Nina Simms, Northwestern University

• Bryan Matlen, WestEd

• Benjamin Jee, Worcester State University

• Steven Franconeri, Northwestern University

• Dedre Gentner, Northwestern University