Cognitive Fit: A Theory‐Based Analysis of the Graphs Versus Tables Literature*

TLDR

Research on how graphical and tabular representations affect decision‑making performance has been extensive, yet the literature has reached few definitive conclusions. This paper proposes a theory grounded in information‑processing theory to explain when one representation outperforms the other. The theory posits that graphs emphasize spatial information and tables symbolic information, tasks are spatial or symbolic, and performance improves when the representation, task type, and problem‑solving processes (perceptual or analytical) are cognitively matched, yielding faster and more accurate solutions. The theory successfully explains the outcomes of prior studies comparing graphical and tabular representations in decision‑making.

Abstract

ABSTRACT A considerable amount of research has been conducted over a long period of time into the effects of graphical and tabular representations on decision‐making performance. To date, however, the literature appears to have arrived at few conclusions with regard to the performance of the two representations. This paper addresses these issues by presenting a theory, based on information processing theory, to explain under what circumstances one representation outperforms the other. The fundamental aspects of the theory are: (1) although graphical and tabular representations may contain the same information, they present that information in fundamentally different ways; graphical representations emphasize spatial information, while tables emphasize symbolic information; (2) tasks can be divided into two types, spatial and symbolic, based on the type of information that facilitates their solution; (3) performance on a task will be enhanced when there is a cognitive fit (match) between the information emphasized in the representation type and that required by the task type; that is, when graphs support spatial tasks and when tables support symbolic tasks; (4) the processes or strategies problem solvers use are the crucial elements of cognitive fit since they provide the link between representation and task; the processes identified here are perceptual and analytical; (5) so long as there is a complete fit of representation, processes, and task type, each representation will lead to both quicker and more accurate problem solving. The theory is validated by its success in explaining the results of published studies that examine the performance of graphical and tabular representations in decision making.