Speed of Perception as a Function of Mode of Representation

Abstract

Which is the most effective visual aid, a photograph, a shaded drawing, a line drawing, or a cartoon? Three different objects, the human hand, a multi-switch panel, and steam valve, were represented by each of the four methods. Thresholds for time of perception were obtained from 16 Ss. Although there is some indication of an interaction effect between object and mode of representation, the over-all results show that the cartoon required the shortest and the line drawing the longest time for perception. Photographs and shaded drawing were about equal and fell between cartoons and line drawings.