Learning From Science News via Interactive and Animated Data Visualizations: An Investigation Combining Eye Tracking, Online Survey, and Cued Retrospective Reporting. Issue 6 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Greussing, Esther; Kessler, Sabrina Heike; Boomgaarden, Hajo G.
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 42:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 803
• Page End: 828
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: interactivity -- animation -- data visualization -- visual science communication -- information perception -- eye tracking; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547020962100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

Relying on a multimethod approach with eye tracking, cued retrospective reporting, and a memory test, this experimental study ( N = 45) shows how individuals engage with static, interactive, and interactive-animated data visualizations embedded in online science news. The results suggest that interactivity and animation engage participants most strongly: The second part of the news article is fixated the longest by participants exposed to the interactive-animated visualization, which translates into higher learning outcomes. However, the dynamic process of news reception requires a nuanced understanding of how users attend to visual and textual parts of a message to make informed statements about their effectiveness.