Data Interpretation along the Novice – Expert Continuum

Lead Faculty: Adam V. Maltese

Students: Joseph A. Harsh

Funding: IU SoE Proffitt Grant

Background:The goal of this study is to investigate the differences in data analysis skills along a continuum of expertise – from novice undergraduates to practicing science professionals in the earth science content domain. More specifically, this research is intended to better understand how people read, interpret and create graphical representations of numerical data. While existing research provides a framework for the factors influencing how people interpret graphs and differences based on expertise, it does not provide details about the development of these skills as people gain experience in a field.

In this study we are collecting data in three different formats: eye movement measurements, think aloud recordings, and the written responses and graphs created by participants. The three streams of data collected from participants are providing a more detailed picture of how students and scientists read through graphical displays than previously collected.

While prior research in graphical analysis provides a foundation for understanding the
processes involved in reading, interpretation and construction of data displays, one goal of this work is to expose the stages of development in acquiring these skills.

Publications: Forthcoming

Presentations:

Data Interpretation along the Novice – Expert Continuum - NARST 3/25/12 UPCOMING

Interpretation of Graphical Representations along the Expert - Novice Continuum - 2011 Geological Society of America Meeting (Minneapolis, MN)