Effects of Response Method on Error and Cyclical Bias in Proportion Judgments

Abstract

The cyclical power model accounts for multi-cycle patterns of bias commonly observed in proportion judgments by proposing the use of intermediate reference points (Hollands & Dyre, 2000). We were interested in the effect of response method on the choice of reference points (fewer points lead to greater judgment error). Participants made estimates of proportions displayed in pie charts using one of three response methods: rotation of a dial, marker placement on a horizontal line, or a numerical estimate. Fitting the model indicated a two-cycle pattern for line and numeric conditions, but a four-cycle pattern for the dial, leading to reduced error. Response method did not affect the estimated value of the Stevens exponent (0.83 on average). Competing explanations of stimulus-response compatibility and response method are considered. Implications for the design of display and control systems are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA636945

Entities

People

  • Andrew Morton
  • J. G. Hollands

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Cognitive Systems Engineering
  • Control Systems
  • Engineering
  • Errors
  • Frequency
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Human Systems Integration
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Operations
  • Judgment
  • Mental Processes
  • New York
  • Observers
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.