Numeric and graphic risk information processing of high and low numerates in the intuitive and deliberative decision modes: An eye-tracker study

Abstract

The influence of numeracy on information processing of two risk communication formats (percentage and pictograph) was examined using an eye tracker. A sample from the general population (N = 159) was used. In intuitive and deliberative decision conditions, the participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario presenting a test result. The participants indicated their feelings and their perceived risk, evoked by a 17% risk level. In the intuitive decision condition, a significant correlation (r = .30) between numeracy and the order of information processing was found: the higher the numeracy, the earlier the processing of the percentage, and the lower the numeracy, the earlier the processing of the pictograph. This intuitive, initial focus on a format prevailed over the first half of the intuitive decision-making process. In the deliberative decision condition, the correlation between numeracy and order of information processing was not significant. In both decision conditions, high and low numerates processed pictograph and percentage formats with similar depths and derived similar meanings from them in terms of feelings and perceived risk. In both conditions numeracy had no effects on the degree of attention on the percentage or the pictograph (number of fixations on formats and transitions between them). The results suggest that pictographs attract low numerates’ attention, and percentages attract high numerates’ attention in the first, intuitive, phase of numeric information processing. Pictographs thus ensure low numerates’ further elaboration on numeric risk information, which is an important precondition of risk understanding and decision making.

Current Challenges When Using Numbers in Patient Decision Aids: Advanced Concepts

“…52,53 In addition, graphs can attract more attention than numerical risk information, 50 particularly among the less numerate. 54 Hence, they may increase the time that people invest in assessing the information compared with mere numbers. 55…”

“…52,53 In addition, graphs can attract more attention than numerical risk information, 50 particularly among the less numerate. 54 Hence, they may increase the time that people invest in assessing the information compared with mere numbers. 55 Graphs have sometimes been shown to be suited best to convey the essential aspects of the information (i.e., gross-level information), 56,57 bottom-line meaning, or gist, 58 whereas numerical representations can be better suited to convey more precise aspects of the information (i.e., detailed-level information or verbatim).…”

This way, please: Uncovering the directional effects of attribute translations on decision making

“…However, just as signposts on the roadside sometimes fail to direct us towards our destination because they are difficult to detect or comprehend, decision signposts too may differ in their effectiveness in guiding decisions because of the way they present information and/or the environment in which they are placed. This possibility is supported by research showing that even small alterations in the presentation of otherwise similar information can have a substantial impact on judgments and decisions (e.g., Bazerman, Loewenstein & White, 1992;Burson, Larrick & Lynch, 2009;Camilleri & Larrick, 2014;Enax, Krajbich & Weber, 2016;Hardisty, Johnson & Weber, 2010;Hoffrage, Lindsey, Hertwig & Gigeren-zer, 2000;Hsee, 1998;Keller, Kreuzmair, Leins-Hess & Siegrist, 2014;Levin & Gaeth, 1988;Moore, 1999;Pandelaere, Briers & Lembregts, 2011;Tversky & Kahneman, 1981). According to the General Evaluability Theory by Hsee and Zhang (2010), the degree to which information affects decision making is in part determined by its evaluability or the extent to which the objective value of information can be estimated and mapped onto an evaluative scale.…”

Taxonomies for synthesizing the evidence on communicating numbers in health: Goals, format, and structure

“…Sensory processing, during which sensory stimuli enter short‐term memory, is a necessary precursor to subsequent information processing. Some studies in the communication domain have assessed sensory processing through variables such as eye fixations (number of times the eye stops scanning to fix on a single location) or gaze dwell time (duration of eye fixation on a single location) (Keller et al., 2014; Kreuzmair et al., 2016; Smerecnik et al., 2010). For example, in a communication about laboratory values and their interpretations, the researcher could measure whether a format change affected how many participants were able to fixate on or visually locate the relevant item of information.…”