AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY COMPARING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPUTER-GRAPHICS DATA VERSUS COMPUTER TABULAR DATA

A number of studies have been performed that compare the effectiveness of data presented in graphic form versus data presented in tabular form. Results have been mixed. In a study by Dickson et al. that used business students as subjects it was suggested that task variables are paramount in the determination of such effectiveness. However, the authors of the current study feel that the type of data and type of subject used in the work by Dickson et al. favored tabular presentation and compromise any generalization of their conclusions. The current study finds that user training/expertise is a critical variable in determining the effectiveness of graphs versus tables. The conclusion drawn is that a user-friendly system should make both modes available so that the users have the option of selecting their preferred mode.