Arguing that a well designed graphical display can function as a memory store, this article suggests three principles for the design and use of computer graphics: parsimony, accessibility, and reflection. It is suggested that "progressive graphics" are particularly suited to computer implementation. (Author/MBR)

This paper begins with a description of the context and background of cognitive research into knowledge acquisition and representation for computer based training. The nature of concept maps is alluded to and examples are given of the ways that maps can facilitate knowledge elicitation. It is noted that: (1) the concept knowledge in this research…

Microcomputer versions of three commonly used cognitive style measurement instruments are described and demonstrated: the Leveling-Sharpening House Test (LSHT) (Santostefano, 1964); Lowenfeld's Successive Impressions Test I (SIT-I) (1945); and the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) (Witkin, Oltman, Ruskin, and Karp, 1971). At present, many…

A study was conducted to investigate the comprehensibility of microcomputer-generated color graphics that are displayed on monochromatic monitors. Subjects were 64 second, third, and fourth graders who were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Children in the first treatment were asked to identify, on a monochrome monitor, a figure that was…

The purpose of this study was to adapt the Hidden Figures Test (a measure of field dependence/independence) to microcomputer display and to assess its alternate form reliability when compared to a paper and pencil test. Participants included 58 undergraduate and graduate students (91.4% female) at a southeastern university who were fairly normal…

The effects of different types of feedback in computer assisted instruction were studied in 30 college students with different cognitive styles. The program, written in Apple Pilot and administered on an Apple IIE microcomputer, consisted of 16 problem solving tasks; for each, a graphic display and a textual question were presented. Two feedback…