Is my visualization better than yours? Analyzing factors modulating exponential growth bias in graphs.

ABSTRACT: Humans tend to systematically underestimate exponential growth and perceive it in linear terms, which can have severe consequences in a variety of fields. Recent studies attempted to examine the origins of this bias and to mitigate it by using the logarithmic vs. the linear scale in graphical representations. However, they yielded conflicting results as to which scale induces more perceptual errors. In the current study, in an experiment with a short educational intervention, we further examine the factors modulating the exponential bias in graphs and suggest a theoretical explanation for our findings. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that each of the scales can induce misperceptions in a particular context. In addition to this, we explore the effect of mathematical education by testin

SUBMITTER: Melnik-Leroy GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9977824 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature