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The Effect of Cognitive Load on Decision Making with Graphically Displayed Uncertainty Information

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  • Pamela M. Allen
  • John A. Edwards
  • Frank J. Snyder
  • Kevin A. Makinson
  • David M. Hamby

Abstract

An experiment examined the ability of five graphical displays to communicate uncertainty information when end users were under cognitive load (i.e., remembering an eight‐digit number). The extent to which people could accurately derive information from the graphs and the adequacy of decisions about optimal behaviors based on the graphs were assessed across eight scenarios in which probabilistic outcomes were described. Results indicated that the load manipulation did not have an overall effect on derivation of information from the graphs (i.e., mean and probability estimation) but did suppress the ability to optimize behavioral choices based on the graph. Cognitive load affected people's use of some graphical displays (basic probability distribution function) more than others. Overall, the research suggests that interpreting basic characteristics of uncertainty data is unharmed under conditions of limited cognitive resources, whereas more deliberative processing is negatively affected.

Suggested Citation

  • Pamela M. Allen & John A. Edwards & Frank J. Snyder & Kevin A. Makinson & David M. Hamby, 2014. "The Effect of Cognitive Load on Decision Making with Graphically Displayed Uncertainty Information," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(8), pages 1495-1505, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:34:y:2014:i:8:p:1495-1505
    DOI: 10.1111/risa.12161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John A. Edwards & Frank J. Snyder & Pamela M. Allen & Kevin A. Makinson & David M. Hamby, 2012. "Decision Making for Risk Management: A Comparison of Graphical Methods for Presenting Quantitative Uncertainty," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(12), pages 2055-2070, December.
    2. Harald Ibrekk & M. Granger Morgan, 1987. "Graphical Communication of Uncertain Quantities to Nontechnical People," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 7(4), pages 519-529, December.
    3. repec:cup:judgdm:v:5:y:2010:i:3:p:150-158 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Juliano Laran & Eva Buechel, 2017. "Mental Resources Increase Preference for Dissimilar Experiences," Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, University of Chicago Press, vol. 2(1), pages 123-135.
    2. Karin Eberhard, 2023. "The effects of visualization on judgment and decision-making: a systematic literature review," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(1), pages 167-214, February.

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