Data Visualization and Mental Models in the Understanding and Use of Complex Systems | Chapter 7 | Research Developments in Science and Technology Vol. 8

In order to comprehend and make use of complicated data patterns, we now frequently rely on visual elements. Metaphors, or mental models, are also tools we use to manipulate information. Two sections make up this chapter. The first section covers data visualisation (the use of visual objects to help understand and use complex sets of data). I start by giving a quick overview of data visualization's past. I next go through some current developments. Finally, I discuss a recent research that contrasts a more conventional textual presentation (a spreadsheet) with a visual representation of the data (a bar chart), demonstrating that the visual representation is superior in a number of respects. The concept of mental models is discussed in Chapter 2's second section (metaphors held in the mind). I go through the theory behind mental models and give several illustrations of these models. I then go on to discuss a research that represents a Navy personnel planning procedure using a mental model (a system of water tanks). The research demonstrates that the water tank metaphor is a plausible paradigm, but it is not successful in improving participants' comprehension or application of the planning process. According to the research, certain models should use animation-related elements. In general, it is considered that mental models and evidence-based visualisations are helpful tools for comprehending data utilisation and presentation.

Author(s) Details:

B. Charles Tatum,

National University, San Diego, CA, USA.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RDST-V8/article/view/7400