Peebles David, Cheng Peter C H
School of Psychology, University of Nottingham.
Hum Factors. 2003 Spring;45(1):28-46. doi: 10.1518/hfes.45.1.28.27225.
We report an investigation into the processes involved in a common graph-reading task using two types of Cartesian graph. We describe an experiment and eye movement study, the results of which show that optimal scan paths assumed in the task analysis approximate the detailed sequences of saccades made by individuals. The research demonstrates the computational inequivalence of two sets of informationally equivalent graphs and illustrates how the computational advantages of a representation outweigh factors such as user unfamiliarity. We describe two models, using the ACT rational perceptual motor (ACT-R/PM) cognitive architecture, that replicate the pattern of observed response latencies and the complex scan paths revealed by the eye movement study. Finally, we outline three guidelines for designers of visual displays: Designers should (a) consider how different quantities are encoded within any chosen representational format, (b) consider the full range of alternative varieties of a given task, and (c) balance the cost of familiarization with the computational advantages of less familiar representations. Actual or potential applications of this research include informing the design and selection of appropriate visual displays and illustrating the practice and utility of task analysis, eye tracking, and cognitive modeling for understanding interactive tasks with external representations.
我们报告了一项针对使用两种笛卡尔图的常见图形阅读任务所涉及过程的调查。我们描述了一项实验和眼动研究，其结果表明任务分析中假设的最佳扫描路径近似于个体所做扫视的详细序列。该研究证明了两组信息等效图形在计算上的不等价性，并说明了一种表示形式的计算优势如何超过诸如用户不熟悉等因素。我们使用ACT合理感知运动（ACT-R/PM）认知架构描述了两个模型，它们复制了观察到的反应潜伏期模式以及眼动研究揭示的复杂扫描路径。最后，我们为视觉显示器设计师概述了三条指导原则：设计师应（a）考虑在任何选定的表示格式中不同数量是如何编码的，（b）考虑给定任务的所有替代变体，以及（c）在熟悉成本与不太熟悉表示形式的计算优势之间取得平衡。这项研究的实际或潜在应用包括为适当视觉显示器的设计和选择提供信息，以及说明任务分析、眼动追踪和认知建模对于理解与外部表示形式的交互任务的实践和效用。
