A Detection Theory Analysis of Visual Display Performance

This study investigated how information is processed from graphic vs. alphanumeric multi-element visual displays using principles derived from the Theory of Signal Detection (TSD). A diagnostic decision task was used in an evaluation of four different display formats: (1) A numerical display composed of n two-digit numbers arranged in a linear horizontal format; (2) a similar numerical display in which the display elements were arranged in a square matrix array; (3) an analog guage display composed of n vertical line gauges also organized in a square matrix array; and (4) a similar analog gauge display in which the display elements were arranged in a linear horizontal format. Performance was evaluated for 1,2,4,9, and 16 element displays and over a range of display durations. Detection performance, as measured by d', increased as the number of display elements was increased up to an asymptotic value that was dependent on display type, arrangement and display duration. Performance was best with analog display elements arranged in a horizontal line. The relative influence of particular spatial element and the total number of elements that influence a subject's response appears to be highly dependent on display type and arrangement.