New graphics as computerized displays for human information processing

A comparative study of various graphic and tabular representations of financial and accounting statistics in an interactive decision setting is presented. Controls are placed on demographic variables, cognitive style, abilities, and math and computer anxiety. Bar graphics are found to be a faster but more accurate form of man-machine communication that tabular presentation of information in credit rating and industry classification decisions. Star graphics take more time on the part of the user but improve the ability to make decisions which involve ranking alternatives. Persons whose cognitive style is more directed toward thinking than feeling have significantly better success in utilizing new graphic forms. It is argues that all new graphics should be tested for speed and efficacy for different types of information display and for people with different cognitive styles and computer backgrounds before they are incorporated into outputs for computerised decision-support systems.<>