Using Geographical Information Systems for Decision Making: Extending Cognitive Fit Theory to Map-Based Presentations.

Author List: Dennis, Alan R.; Carte, Traci A.;

Information Systems Research, 1998, Volume 9, Issue 2, Page 194-203.

As the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) by business becomes more common, we need to better understand when these systems are and are not useful. This research uses a laboratory experiment to extend cognitive fit theory (Vessey 1991) to geographic tasks performed using either map-based presentations or tabular presentations. The experiment found that decision makers using a map-based presentation made faster and more accurate decisions when working on a geographic task in which there were adjacency relationships among the geographic areas. Decision makers using a map-based presentation made faster but less accurate decisions when working on a geographic task in which there were no relationships among the geographic areas.

Keywords: Cognitive Fit; Geographical Information Systems; Graphics; Maps

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List of Topics

#266	0.255	information presentation graphics format systems graphical graphs design recall representation comprehension experimental presentations experiment presented variables formats graphic tabular led
#295	0.252	task fit tasks performance cognitive theory using support type comprehension tools tool effects effect matching types theories modification working time
#8	0.164	decision making decisions decision-making makers use quality improve performance managers process better results time managerial task significantly help indicate maker
#258	0.159	information proximity message seeking perceived distance communication overload context geographic dispersed higher geographically task contexts recipient face-to-face temporal safe dyadic