This paper examines variations of text density levels for learning in a computer-based instruction (CBI) tutorial from an integrated perspective, and addresses the following questions: (1) What is the text density? (2) What are the relationships among text density approaches? and (3) What are the contributions of text density for learning and how…

There are two categories of representations: figurative and non-figurative. Within the category of figurative representations, there are two groups: visuals and graphic symbols. Graphic symbols include pictorial symbols, abstract symbols, and arbitrary symbols. Symbols can be used for identification, overview, supplying instructions, position,…

This investigation of cognitive effort begins with a review of cognitive principles relating to memory and graphic encoding of information. The cognitive framework described allows explanation of improved memory due to reparsing of graphic representations. It also provides the basis for optimizing graphical material design to insure best retention…

Intended to lend organization to the educational media research in visual perception and learning with line drawings, this paper reviews studies that cut across several specialized fields of education and psychology. The studies reviewed are arranged into the following categories: (1) learning from visuals, (2) abstract versus realism theories,…

A random sample and a sample of retarded readers were selected from fourth- and sixth-grade students in the Grand Prairie Independent School District. All students were tested in the areas of auditory perception, visual perception, and phonics abilities. The tests administered were: two subtests from the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test; four…

This study sought to determine the difference between learning with the aid of a motion picture presenting the visual field of the performer and the performer in action and learning with the aid of a motion picture presenting only the performer in action. Two motion pictures of a student tracking on a pursuit rotary unit constituted the…

This is the fifth in a series of technical research reports by Harvard Project Zero which study artistic creation and comprehension as a means toward better art education. The three papers in this report all concern the bearing of projective geometry on the perceptual processes by which pictures are "read" for spatial information. The…

Beginning with a survey of work previously done on the subject, this study attempts to learn more about how, and to what extent, children benefit from pictorial illustrations, with a view to improving instructional materials. Three areas were investigated with experiments using children from nursery schools and kindergarten to sixth grade. The…

One hundred and sixty-six second graders were administered the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) and a visual and auditory memory test. Intraindividual discrepancies between a child's performance on comparable visual and auditory measures served to identify him as a visual or an auditory learner. Significantly more 5-year-old…

A series of articles examines visual literacy from the perspectives of definition, research, curriculum, and resources. Articles examining the definition of visual literacy approach it in terms of semantics, techniques, and exploratory definition areas. There are surveys of present and potential research, and a discussion of the problem of…

Presents examples of visual representations helpful in understanding number relationships and the algebraic statements of these relationships. Suggests that these representations can be used by teachers to aid students in discovering number relationships and in acquiring meaning for given mathematical statements. (PK)

Screen design, as an inherent part of the interface within computer-based instructional programs, is a critical component to the communication potential of the medium. This paper establishes aesthetics as an essential and necessary component of screen design and of instructional design. Current screen design guidelines tend to overlook the…

This paper examines children's responses to black and white illustrations in particular silhouettes. The study had two components; the first examined fifth graders' reactions to picture books using silhouette illustrations. The second part of the research analyzed students' responses when a dramatic context was used to view and respond to selected…

Four-, five-, and six-year-old children were used as subjects in this investigation. There were 192 experimental and 96 control children used, divided equally between the three age groups. The experimental children received a 1-minute pretest exposure procedure in which 1/4 of the children observed 4 two-dimensional stimuli (irregular pentagons),…

Analyzes the pedagogic functions of visual images included in school science textbooks and daily press articles about science and technology. Indicates that the science textbooks (a) use 10 times more images, (b) use more images so as to familiarize their readers with the specialized techno-scientific content and codes, and (c) tend to create a…