Comparison of Methods for Learning Choropleth Maps [1988-1990: United States]

The purpose of this study was to gather information on how people learn choropleth maps and to determine which of various computer display methods is most appropriate for learning this type of map. Software was developed to enable users to explore data commonly portrayed as a choropleth map. The software was then tested in controlled experiments using undergraduates at the University of Kansas. The design for Experiments I and II, which explored reactions to the sequencing of parts of a map as compared to the more traditional method of displaying a map all at once, consisted of formal and informal portions. In the formal portion, the actual effectiveness of traditional and sequenced maps was examined. The speed and accuracy of information acquisition and retention (memory) of subjects was the focus of this phase. In the informal portion, subjects viewed several display methods and (1) picked their most and least preferred methods, (2) explained their preferences, and (3) suggested alternative display methods. Dataset 1 contains data collected in association with the publication listed below. Datasets 2 and 3 consist of data from Experiments I and II, respectively, while Dataset 4 is a text file containing the verbal protocols used for Experiment I.