| The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of applying instructional design principles to the interpretation and comparison of visually represented climate maps. Specifically, it addressed whether there were any differences in completion time and comprehension for horizontal and vertical arrangements of climate maps within composite images. Six different treatments involving different combinations of image size, arrangement, and use of colored text were tested.;The analysis showed no statistically significant differences among the arrangements with regard to either completion time or comprehension for the different shapes of images. The use of colored, as opposed to black text was not statistically significant either. The majority of participants preferred a horizontal, rather than vertical arrangement of images within the composites. A significantly greater number of participants preferred vertical arrangements for narrower shapes of images.;The findings suggest that the arrangement of images on a computer screen may not be an important consideration when designing composite graphics for making simple inter-map comparisons for the specific cases considered in this study. Future research should be conducted to extend the generalizability of the findings to other audiences, types of images, and design characteristics.;The two hundred and five participants in this study completed a small battery of activities and assessments to provide quantitative and qualitative data regarding time of completion, comprehension, and preferences, likes, and dislikes related to the various treatments utilizing climate maps in this mixed methods investigation. The statistical analysis involved the use of a MANCOVA where general spatial ability as assessed by a mental rotations test was included as a covariate. All data with the exception of general spatial ability, were collected through the Blackboard course management system. |
