Individual Differences in Recall From News Infographics: The Role of Quantitative Media Literacy and Spatial Reasoning

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Paper Session: Visual Communication Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This study examines the effects of individual differences on the recall of numerical data from an information graphic. A quasi-experimental design was used to examine the unique effects of quantitative media literacy and spatial reasoning on recall. Using a student sample (N = 207), it was found that both variables had significant positive effects on exact and approximate recall of information from the stimulus graphic. The implications of these findings for both academic researchers and working journalists are discussed.

Authors

• Nick Geidner, University of Tennessee

• Ivanka Pjesivac, University of Tennessee

• Jaclyn Cameron, University of Tennessee - Knoxville