The application of graphical representations in estimation of probabilistic events

Abstract

The communication of uncertain and certain information is essential for individual
behaviour and decision making. But many subjects have difficulty in understanding
uncertainty-related problems. This difficulty can depend on the way in which
materials are presented and communicated: for example, whether this is verbalnumerical
or graphical. We measured subjects’ performances when solving uncertainty-
related problems in relation to the format of problem presentation, aiming
to detect the graphical facilitation effect potentially produced by Euler-Venn and
Iconic diagrams. Through a quasi-experimental mixed design, we analysed the performance
of 229 undergraduate students in solving two paired uncertainty-related
problems under conditions of time pressure. Applying a non-parametric statistical
data analysis, we found a graphical facilitation effect, particularly with Euler-Venn
diagrams.