Do four eyes see better than two? Collaborative versus individual discovery in data visualization systems

G Mark, A Kobsa, V Gonzalez - Proceedings Sixth International …, 2002 - ieeexplore.ieee.org
Proceedings Sixth International Conference on Information …, 2002ieeexplore.ieee.org
We present an empirical study investigating collaborative and individual decision-making
about data using two different information visualization systems. Based on previous
research, one system is considered more transparent than the other in terms of visual
representation and functionality. We found that people who worked in groups were more
correct in their answers for objective questions, based on searching a large dataset. These
results held for the more transparent system, but not the less transparent system. In a second …
We present an empirical study investigating collaborative and individual decision-making about data using two different information visualization systems. Based on previous research, one system is considered more transparent than the other in terms of visual representation and functionality. We found that people who worked in groups were more correct in their answers for objective questions, based on searching a large dataset. These results held for the more transparent system, but not the less transparent system. In a second task, groups were more accurate in their results for a free data discovery task. Again, these results held for the more transparent system only. Subjects using this system also produced results that were higher in complexity but judged lower in importance. Groups and individuals did not differ. We suggest that given the right visualization system, groups do better than individuals in finding more accurate results, but not necessarily increased or more meaningful results.
ieeexplore.ieee.org