Relative Value of Pictures and Text in Conveying Information: Performance and Memory Evaluations

Abstract

This paper describes the results of two experiments that examine the relative value of pictures and text for transmitting information in technical documentation. Work on this topic is required because, at present, there are few guidelines for deciding how to present information to communicate procedural information (such as technical manuals, job aids, programmed instruction, etc) when decisions must be made between pictures and text (as they often must when attempting to computerize documentation). The results of both experiments do provide some support for previous research showing that it is best to provide procedural instructions both pictorially and textually. An important finding was that if performance speed is important then, as expected, pictures are generally preferable to textual instructions; however, if memory of the instructions is important and instructional designs cannot predict what environment subjects may be faced with (at least if recognition is critical) then textual instruction should be provided because it appears that it provides more flexibility in usage.