1
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Walker AC, Stange M, Dixon MJ, Fugelsang JA, Koehler DJ. Using Icon Arrays to Communicate Gambling Information Reduces the Appeal of Scratch Card Games. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:363-382. [PMID: 35044578 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Past work has demonstrated that presenting statistical information in a foreground-background icon array can improve risk understanding, reduce decision-making biases, and decrease the salience of low-probability risks. In the present study, we assess whether presenting readily available gambling information within a foreground-background icon array influences individuals' gambling-related judgments (e.g., their perceived likelihood of winning a prize). Across two experiments (N = 1151), we find that using icon arrays to present gambling information reduces the appeal of scratch card games. That is, participants presented with gambling information in a foreground-background icon array, as opposed to a non-graphical numerical format, reported feeling less likely to win a prize, less excitement to play, and less urge to gamble on a scratch card game presented in a hypothetical gambling task. Overall, we conclude that presenting gambling information in an icon array format represents a simple yet promising tool for correcting gamblers' often overly-optimistic perceptions and reducing the appeal of negative expected value scratch card games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Walker
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Madison Stange
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mike J Dixon
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Derek J Koehler
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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2
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Effects of icon arrays to communicate risk in a repeated risky
decision-making task. JUDGMENT AND DECISION MAKING 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1930297500009153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In two experiments, participants decided on each of several trials
whether or not to take a risk. If they chose to take the risk, they had a
relatively high probability (from 75% to 95%) of winning a small number of
points and a relatively low probability (5% to 25%) of losing a large number
of points. The loss amounts varied so that the expected value of taking the
risk was positive on some trials, zero on others, and negative on the rest.
The main independent variable was whether the probability of losing was
communicated using numerical percentages or icon arrays. Both experiments
included random icon arrays, in which the icons representing losses were
randomly distributed throughout the array. Experiment 2 also included
grouped icon arrays, in which the icons representing losses were grouped at
the bottom of the array. Neither type of icon array led to better
performance in the task. However, the random icon arrays led to less risk
taking than the numerical percentages or the grouped icon arrays, especially
at the higher loss probabilities. In a third experiment, participants made
direct judgments of the percentages and probabilities represented by the
icon arrays from Experiment 2. The results supported the idea that random
arrays lead to less risk taking because they are perceived to represent
greater loss probabilities. These results have several implications for the
study of icon arrays and their use in risk communication.
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3
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Zavala S, Stout JE. Understanding and Communicating Risk: Assessing both Relative and Absolute Risk Is Absolutely Necessary. JID INNOVATIONS 2022; 2:100097. [PMID: 35199093 PMCID: PMC8844685 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zavala
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason E. Stout
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Corresponding author
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4
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Reactions to geographic data visualization of infectious disease outbreaks: an experiment on the effectiveness of data presentation format and past occurrence information. Public Health 2021; 202:106-112. [PMID: 34936978 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study intended to compare the effectiveness of thematic maps with that of tabular data in comprehension and memory of risk magnitudes, with Zika virus (ZIKV) disease outbreaks in the United States as the subject matter. The study also aimed to examine the effects of data presentation format and past occurrence information on risk perception and risk avoidance intention. STUDY DESIGN This study used an experiment. METHODS Each participant was randomly assigned to view ZIKV disease 2017 incidence data presented in one of the three formats: a choropleth map, a graduated-circle map, and a table, after which they answered questions about comprehension and memory of risk magnitudes. Each participant was then randomly assigned to view or not to view incidence data of the previous occurrence of ZIKV outbreaks in 2016, after which they answered questions about risk perception and risk avoidance intention. RESULTS The results revealed the effectiveness of thematic maps over tabular data in comprehension, risk perception, and risk avoidance intention. Compared to tabular data, the choropleth map led to a better comprehension of relative risk magnitudes, the graduated-circle map led to higher risk perception, and both thematic maps led to greater risk avoidance intention. In contrast, tabular data led to better recognition of absolute risk magnitudes than both thematic maps. In addition, past occurrence information enhanced risk perception and risk avoidance intention. CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal the importance of data presentation format in comprehension and memory of risk magnitudes. This can be attributed to the cognitive match between the information emphasized in the presentation and that required by the tasks. The findings also suggest that data presentation format and past occurrence information are important judgmental heuristics that help to form risk perception and risk avoidance intention.
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5
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Amini M, den Hartog SJ, van Leeuwen N, Eijkenaar F, Kuhrij LS, Stolze LJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Lingsma HF, van Es ACGM, van den Wijngaard IR, van der Lugt A, Dippel DWJ, Roozenbeek B. Performance feedback on the quality of care in hospitals performing thrombectomy for ischemic stroke (PERFEQTOS): protocol of a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial. Trials 2021; 22:870. [PMID: 34863254 PMCID: PMC8643025 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05819-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the provision of performance feedback to healthcare professionals based on data from quality registries is common practice in many fields of medicine, observational studies of its effect on the quality of care have shown mixed results. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of performance feedback on the quality of care for acute ischemic stroke. Methods PERFEQTOS is a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial in 13 hospitals in the Netherlands providing endovascular thrombectomy for ischemic stroke. The primary outcome is the hospital’s door-to-groin time. The study starts with a 6-month period in which none of the hospitals receives the performance feedback intervention. Subsequently, every 6 months, three or four hospitals are randomized to cross over from the control to the intervention conditions, until all hospitals receive the feedback intervention. The feedback intervention consists of a dashboard with quarterly reports on patient characteristics, structure, process, and outcome indicators related to patients with ischemic stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy. Hospitals can compare their present performance with their own performance in the past and with other hospitals. The performance feedback is provided to local quality improvement teams in each hospital, who define their own targets on specific indicators and develop performance improvement plans. The impact of the performance feedback and improvement plans will be evaluated by comparing the primary outcome before and after the intervention. Discussion This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of performance feedback to healthcare providers. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and various stakeholder engagement activities. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register NL9090. Registered on December 3, 2020 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05819-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzyeh Amini
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J den Hartog
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikki van Leeuwen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Eijkenaar
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laurien S Kuhrij
- Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte J Stolze
- Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Nederkoorn
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hester F Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan C G M van Es
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ido R van den Wijngaard
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, the Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Haaglanden Medical Center, the Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Aad van der Lugt
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik W J Dippel
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Roozenbeek
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Kalke K, Studd H, Scherr CL. The communication of uncertainty in health: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:1945-1961. [PMID: 33593644 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a scoping review of existing studies that examine communication strategies that address uncertainty in health and categorize them using the taxonomy of uncertainty. METHODS Relevant articles retrieved from ten databases were categorized according to the dimensions of the taxonomy of uncertainty, and study characteristics were extracted from each article. RESULTS All articles (n = 63) explored uncertainty in the context of probabilistic risk and related to scientific issues (n = 63; 100%). The majority focused on complexity (n = 24; 38.1%) and uncertainty experienced by patients (n = 52; 82.5%). Most utilized quantitative methods (n = 46; 73.0%), hypothetical scenarios (n = 49; 77.8%), and focused on cancer (n = 20; 31.7%). Theory guided messages and study design in fewer than half (n = 27; 42.9%). CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in terminology used to refer to different types of uncertainties preclude a unified research agenda on uncertainty communication. Research predominately focuses on probability as the source of uncertainty, uncertainties related to scientific issues, and uncertainty experienced by patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Additional efforts are needed to understand providers' experience of uncertainty, and to identify strategies to address ambiguity. Future studies should use consistent terminology to allow for coherence and advancement of uncertainty communication scholarship. Continued efforts to refine the existing taxonomy should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Kalke
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Hannah Studd
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Courtney L Scherr
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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7
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Trevena LJ, Bonner C, Okan Y, Peters E, Gaissmaier W, Han PKJ, Ozanne E, Timmermans D, Zikmund-Fisher BJ. Current Challenges When Using Numbers in Patient Decision Aids: Advanced Concepts. Med Decis Making 2021; 41:834-847. [PMID: 33660535 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x21996342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decision aid developers have to convey complex task-specific numeric information in a way that minimizes bias and promotes understanding of the options available within a particular decision. Whereas our companion paper summarizes fundamental issues, this article focuses on more complex, task-specific aspects of presenting numeric information in patient decision aids. METHODS As part of the International Patient Decision Aids Standards third evidence update, we gathered an expert panel of 9 international experts who revised and expanded the topics covered in the 2013 review working in groups of 2 to 3 to update the evidence, based on their expertise and targeted searches of the literature. The full panel then reviewed and provided additional revisions, reaching consensus on the final version. RESULTS Five of the 10 topics addressed more complex task-specific issues. We found strong evidence for using independent event rates and/or incremental absolute risk differences for the effect size of test and screening outcomes. Simple visual formats can help to reduce common judgment biases and enhance comprehension but can be misleading if not well designed. Graph literacy can moderate the effectiveness of visual formats and hence should be considered in tool design. There is less evidence supporting the inclusion of personalized and interactive risk estimates. DISCUSSION More complex numeric information. such as the size of the benefits and harms for decision options, can be better understood by using incremental absolute risk differences alongside well-designed visual formats that consider the graph literacy of the intended audience. More research is needed into when and how to use personalized and/or interactive risk estimates because their complexity and accessibility may affect their feasibility in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal J Trevena
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ask Share Know NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Carissa Bonner
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ask Share Know NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Yasmina Okan
- Centre for Decision Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Paul K J Han
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | | | - Danielle Timmermans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
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8
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Okan Y, Stone ER, Parillo J, Bruine de Bruin W, Parker AM. Probability Size Matters: The Effect of Foreground-Only versus Foreground+Background Graphs on Risk Aversion Diminishes with Larger Probabilities. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2020; 40:771-788. [PMID: 31907975 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Graphs are increasingly recommended for improving decision-making and promoting risk-avoidant behaviors. Graphs that depict only the number of people affected by a risk ("foreground-only" displays) tend to increase perceived risk and risk aversion (e.g., willingness to get vaccinated), as compared to graphs that also depict the number of people at risk for harm ("foreground+background" displays). However, previous research examining these "foreground-only effects" has focused on relatively low-probability risks (<10%), limiting generalizability to communications about larger risks. In two experiments, we systematically investigated the moderating role of probability size on foreground-only effects, using a wide range of probability sizes (from 0.1% to 40%). Additionally, we examined the moderating role of the size of the risk reduction, that is, the extent to which a protective behavior reduces the risk. Across both experiments, foreground-only effects on perceived risk and risk aversion were weaker for larger probabilities. Experiment 2 also revealed that foreground-only effects were weaker for smaller risk reductions, while foreground-only displays decreased understanding of absolute risk magnitudes independently of probability size. These findings suggest that the greater effectiveness of foreground-only versus foreground+background displays for increasing perceived risk and risk aversion diminishes with larger probability sizes and smaller risk reductions. Moreover, if the goal is to promote understanding of absolute risk magnitudes, foreground+background displays should be used rather than foreground-only displays regardless of probability size. Our findings also help to refine and extend existing theoretical accounts of foreground-only effects to situations involving a wide range of probability sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Okan
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Eric R Stone
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan Parillo
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wändi Bruine de Bruin
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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9
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Tiede KE, Ripke F, Degen N, Gaissmaier W. When Does the Incremental Risk Format Aid Informed Medical Decisions? The Role of Learning, Feedback, and Number of Treatment Options. Med Decis Making 2020; 40:212-221. [PMID: 32036764 PMCID: PMC7174829 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x20904357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Informed medical decisions require understanding the
benefits and risks of treatments. This entails comparing treatment outcomes to a
control group. The incremental risk format has been recommended
as it directly visualizes the differences between treatment and control group in
1 graph, whereas they have to be calculated from 2 separate graphs in the
total risk format. We investigated when the incremental
risk format aids understanding. Methods. In 2 experiments,
participants received information about medical treatments, either as
incremental or total risk format. We assessed verbatim
knowledge (precise quantitative knowledge), gist
knowledge (knowledge of essential meaning), and evaluations of the
formats. Study 1 (N = 99) consisted of only 1 trial with
medical information and also assessed recall. Study 2 (N = 222)
assessed learning across multiple trials and also varied the presence of
feedback and the number of treatment options. Results. In study 1,
the incremental risk format (v. total risk format) led to worse knowledge,
recall, and evaluations. In study 2, participants learned to understand the
incremental risk format over time, resulting in comparable verbatim knowledge
and evaluations as in the total risk format, as well as in even better gist
knowledge. Feedback and number of treatment options did not moderate the effect
of risk format. Limitations. The studies were conducted with
nonpatient samples, and study 2 employed hypothetical treatments.
Conclusions. The incremental risk format was initially less
understandable than the total risk format. After a short learning period,
however, the incremental risk format resulted in better gist knowledge and was
comparable otherwise, which suggests that participants had to get used to that
format. This has important implications for the study of new formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Tiede
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Graduate School of Decision Sciences, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Felicia Ripke
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nicole Degen
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gaissmaier
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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10
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Okan Y, Stone ER, Bruine de Bruin W. Designing Graphs that Promote Both Risk Understanding and Behavior Change. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:929-946. [PMID: 28973820 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Graphs show promise for improving communications about different types of risks, including health risks, financial risks, and climate risks. However, graph designs that are effective at meeting one important risk communication goal (promoting risk-avoidant behaviors) can at the same time compromise another key goal (improving risk understanding). We developed and tested simple bar graphs aimed at accomplishing these two goals simultaneously. We manipulated two design features in graphs, namely, whether graphs depicted the number of people affected by a risk and those at risk of harm ("foreground+background") versus only those affected ("foreground-only"), and the presence versus absence of simple numerical labels above bars. Foreground-only displays were associated with larger risk perceptions and risk-avoidant behavior (i.e., willingness to take a drug for heart attack prevention) than foreground+background displays, regardless of the presence of labels. Foreground-only graphs also hindered risk understanding when labels were not present. However, the presence of labels significantly improved understanding, eliminating the detrimental effect of foreground-only displays. Labels also led to more positive user evaluations of the graphs, but did not affect risk-avoidant behavior. Using process modeling we identified mediators (risk perceptions, understanding, user evaluations) that explained the effect of display type on risk-avoidant behavior. Our findings contribute new evidence to the graph design literature: unlike what was previously feared, we demonstrate that it is possible to design foreground-only graphs that promote intentions for behavior change without a detrimental effect on risk understanding. Implications for the design of graphical risk communications and decision support are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Okan
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Eric R Stone
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Wändi Bruine de Bruin
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, UK
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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11
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Alcíbar M. Information visualisation as a resource for popularising the technical-biomedical aspects of the last Ebola virus epidemic: The case of the Spanish reference press. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:365-381. [PMID: 28393588 DOI: 10.1177/0963662517702047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the role that information visualisation played in the popularisation of the technical-biomedical aspects of the last Ebola virus epidemic, the most devastating to date. Applying content analysis methods, the total population of information visualisations ( N = 209) was coded and analysed to identify topics, and to define features and identify patterns in the images. The corpus was based on the record of articles with graphics appearing in five Spanish reference newspapers from 22 March 2014 to 13 January 2016, the start and suppression of the epidemic, respectively. The results suggest that information visualisation was a key factor in the popularisation of the epidemic's technical-biomedical aspects, as well as contributing actively to construct, in the words of Myers, a narrative of nature.
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12
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Stone ER, Reeder EC, Parillo J, Long C, Walb L. Salience Versus Proportional Reasoning: Rethinking the Mechanism Behind Graphical Display Effects. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - LeeAnn Walb
- Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem NC USA
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13
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Okan Y, Garcia-Retamero R, Cokely ET, Maldonado A. Biasing and debiasing health decisions with bar graphs: Costs and benefits of graph literacy. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1747021817744546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bar graphs can improve risk communication in medicine and health. Unfortunately, recent research has revealed that bar graphs are associated with a robust bias that can lead to systematic judgement and decision-making errors. When people view bar graphs representing means, they tend to believe that data points located within bars are more likely to be part of the underlying distributions than equidistant points outside bars. In three experiments, we investigated potential consequences, key cognitive mechanisms, and generalisability of the within-the-bar bias in the medical domain. We also investigated the effectiveness of different interventions to reduce the effect of this bias and protect people from errors. Results revealed that the within-the-bar bias systematically affected participants’ judgements and decisions concerning treatments for controlling blood glucose, as well as their interpretations of ecological graphs designed to guide health policy decisions. Interestingly, individuals with higher graph literacy showed the largest biases. However, the use of dot plots to replace bars improved the accuracy of interpretations. Perceptual mechanisms underlying the within-the-bar bias and prescriptive implications for graph design are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Okan
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rocio Garcia-Retamero
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Center for Adaptive Behavior and Cognition (ABC), Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edward T Cokely
- Center for Adaptive Behavior and Cognition (ABC), Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- National Institute for Risk & Resilience and Department of Psychology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Antonio Maldonado
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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14
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Garcia-Retamero R, Cokely ET. Designing Visual Aids That Promote Risk Literacy: A Systematic Review of Health Research and Evidence-Based Design Heuristics. HUMAN FACTORS 2017; 59:582-627. [PMID: 28192674 DOI: 10.1177/0018720817690634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Effective risk communication is essential for informed decision making. Unfortunately, many people struggle to understand typical risk communications because they lack essential decision-making skills. Objective The aim of this study was to review the literature on the effect of numeracy on risk literacy, decision making, and health outcomes, and to evaluate the benefits of visual aids in risk communication. Method We present a conceptual framework describing the influence of numeracy on risk literacy, decision making, and health outcomes, followed by a systematic review of the benefits of visual aids in risk communication for people with different levels of numeracy and graph literacy. The systematic review covers scientific research published between January 1995 and April 2016, drawn from the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Medline, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were investigation of the effect of numeracy and/or graph literacy, and investigation of the effect of visual aids or comparison of their effect with that of numerical information. Thirty-six publications met the criteria, providing data on 27,885 diverse participants from 60 countries. Results Transparent visual aids robustly improved risk understanding in diverse individuals by encouraging thorough deliberation, enhancing cognitive self-assessment, and reducing conceptual biases in memory. Improvements in risk understanding consistently produced beneficial changes in attitudes, behavioral intentions, trust, and healthy behaviors. Visual aids were found to be particularly beneficial for vulnerable and less skilled individuals. Conclusion Well-designed visual aids tend to be highly effective tools for improving informed decision making among diverse decision makers. We identify five categories of practical, evidence-based guidelines for heuristic evaluation and design of effective visual aids.
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15
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Stone ER, Bruine de Bruin W, Wilkins AM, Boker EM, MacDonald Gibson J. Designing Graphs to Communicate Risks: Understanding How the Choice of Graphical Format Influences Decision Making. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2017; 37:612-628. [PMID: 27862121 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the choice of graphical format for communicating risk information affects both understanding of the risk magnitude and the likelihood of acting to decrease risk. However, the mechanisms through which these effects work are poorly understood. To explore these mechanisms using a real-world scenario, we examined the relative impact of two graphical displays for depicting the risk of exposure to unexploded ammunition during potential land redevelopment. One display depicted only the foreground information graphically (a bar graph of the number of people harmed), and a second depicted the foreground and background graphically (a stacked bar graph representing both the number harmed and at risk). We presented 296 participants with either the foreground-only or the foreground and background graphical display and measured a broad set of outcome variables, examining (1) the graphical display effect on each of the outcome measures and (2) the pathways by which any display effects work to influence decision making. We found that the foreground-only graphical display increased perceived likelihood and experienced fear, which produced greater worry, which in turn increased risk aversion. In addition, a positive evaluation of the communication materials increased support for policies related to land redevelopment, whether those policies were risk taking or risk mitigating. Finally, the foreground-only graphical display decreased understanding of the risk magnitude, showing that approaches to accomplish one risk communication goal (promoting risk-averse decisions) may do so at the expense of another goal (increasing understanding).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Stone
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Wändi Bruine de Bruin
- Centre for Decision Research, Leeds University Business School, Leeds, England
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abigail M Wilkins
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Emily M Boker
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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