Arrows in Biology: Lack of Clarity and Consistency Points to Confusion for Learners.

ABSTRACT: In this article, we begin to unpack the phenomenon of representational competence by exploring how arrow symbols are used in introductory biology textbook figures. Out of 1214 figures in an introductory biology textbook, 632 (52%) of them contained arrows that were used to represent many different concepts or processes. Analysis of these figures revealed little correlation between arrow style and meaning. A more focused study of 86 figures containing 230 arrows from a second textbook showed the same pattern of inconsistency. Interviews with undergraduates confirmed that arrows in selected textbook figures were confusing and did not readily convey the information intended by the authors. We also present findings from an online survey in which subjects were asked to infer meaning of differen

SUBMITTER: Wright LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6007777 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature