Toward Improved Understanding of Data Visualization Literacy: Insights on Perception of Data Visualizations

• In Event: Data Analytics and Research Methodologies in Cognition and Learning

Abstract

This study reviewed 40 years of empirical research findings that examined how individuals perceive data visualizations such as graphs and charts. Findings revealed that prior research has focused on identifying and testing low-level perceptual processes (referred to as elementary codes such as area, color, position, angle etc) and higher-level perceptual tasks such as evaluating proportions, changes in a variable over time and so on. Recent studies examined the detrimental effects of visual embellishments in new data visualizations such as 3D graphs. Our review underscores that data visualization is an important issue because the use of data visualizations in education is rapidly increasing and new visualization types use a number of seductive details that may impede visual perception and cognition.

Authors

• Kristine Antonyan, University of Florida

• Pasha Antonenko, University of Florida