Diagrams versus Words
Diagrams versus Words
Read this great article:
Larkin, J. H., & Simon, H. A. (1987). Why a Diagram is (Sometimes) Worth Ten Thousand Words. Cognitive Science, 11(1), 65-100.
Here is part of the Abstract:
`When two representations are informationally equivalent, their computational efficiency depends on the information-processing operators that act on them. Two sets of operators may differ in their capabilities for recognizing patterns, in the inferences they can carry out directly, and in their control strategies (in particular. the control of search). Diagrammatic and sentential [words or symbols: written or verbal, in a sentence] representations support operators that differ in all of these respects. Operators working on one representation may recognize features readily or make inferences directly that are difficult to realize in the other representation. Most important, however, are differences in the efficiency of search for information and in the explicitness of information. In the representations we call diagrammatic. information is organized by location, and often much of the information needed to make on inference is present and explicit at a single location. In addition. cues to the next logical step in the problem may be present at on adjacent location. Therefore problem solving con proceed through a smooth traversal of the diagram, and may require very little search or computation of elements that had been implicit.' (Larkin & Simon 1987, p. 65)
In the article various excellent points are made, such as:
`...consider a set of points presented either in a table of x and y coordinates or as geometric points on a graph. Visual entities such as smooth curves, maxima and discontinuities are readily recognized in the latter representation, but not in the former.'
Here is an example I just whipped up:
Try this simple exercise:
Can you recognize the pattern in this data?
If not, scroll down...
....................................
Yup, it's an Elliot Wave!
(Google: Elliot Wave)
Or, another example:
Try describing the below chess position to someone (who hasn't seen the diagram below) in words, as opposed to this diagram below.
In the diagram, you can clearly see the geometrical and topological relations of all the pieces. Without having to remember any: words...!
Diagrams are external memory, or exograms, as opposed to internal (mental) memory: engrams. (Larkin and Simon 1987 don't say this, but - I am saying it now.)
(I also don't think in words. Nether did Einstein or Hadamard, or many other creatives.)
Another great point the article makes:
`While certainly not the complete story on this important representational issue, this simple distinction lets us demonstrate the following reasons why a diagram can be superior to a verbal description for solving problems:Diagrams can group together all information that is used together, thus avoiding large amounts of search for the elements needed to make a problem-solving inference.Diagrams typically use location to group information about a single element, avoiding the need to match symbolic labels.Diagrams automatically support a large number of perceptual inferences, which are extremely easy for humans.None of these points insure that an arbitrary diagram is worth 10,000 of any set of words. To be useful a diagram must be constructed to take advantage of these features.'
(Larkin & Simon 1987, p. 98)
Anyway...
I could go on about how great the above article is, but - I suggest you read it! In full!(And, look at all the diagrams in there, too!)
See:
Larkin, J. H., & Simon, H. A. (1987). Why a Diagram is (Sometimes) Worth Ten Thousand Words. Cognitive Science, 11(1), 65-100.
Thx 4 rdg.
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You have been reading / viewing a blog-post by:
Dr J T Velikovsky Ph.D
(aka: Velikovsky of Newcastle)
AI Researcher & Enthusiast & Evolutionary Culturologist & Filmmaker & Writer & Artist & Actor & Muso & Random Guy
(and, also The StoryAlity Guy)
aka Humanimal
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