Visualization of Network Concepts: The Impact of Working Memory Capacity Differences.

Author List: Zhu, Bin; Watts, Stephanie A.;
Information Systems Research, 2010, Volume 21, Issue 2, Page 327-344.
As networks of all forms become ubiquitous, the network-based information they generate is increasingly being used in a wide variety of analysis tasks. In organizations, social network analysis techniques are being applied to a number of domains, particularly the understanding of knowledge stocks and flows. Because this information is generated from large data sets, computerized visualizations of it are very helpful for accomplishing these complex tasks. This paper presents a model for evaluating the effectiveness of network visualizations based on theories of cognitive fit, working memory capacity, and information load. The model was empirically tested in two experiments using two types of data visualizations from two different social networks. Results support the theoretical model, illustrating that variations in cognitive fit and working memory interact. Findings suggest that visualizations can enable superior outcomes when they are designed to support this interaction.
Keywords: evaluation of information visualization systems; information visualization; network visualization; social network analysis; working memory capacity
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#249 0.188 network networks social analysis ties structure p2p exchange externalities individual impact peer-to-peer structural growth centrality participants sharing economic ownership embeddedness
#295 0.182 task fit tasks performance cognitive theory using support type comprehension tools tool effects effect matching types theories modification working time
#108 0.167 model research data results study using theoretical influence findings theory support implications test collected tested based empirical empirically context paper
#77 0.136 information systems paper use design case important used context provide presented authors concepts order number various underlying implementation framework nature
#37 0.119 intelligence business discovery framework text knowledge new existing visualization based analyzing mining genetic algorithms related techniques large proposed novel artificial
#154 0.097 memory support organizations information organizational requirements different complex require development provides resources organization paper transactive depth process outside difficult breadth