The Effects of Different Data Visualisation Formats on News Recall and Comprehension

Abstract

This study uses the cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning as the theoretical foundation to explore the potential effects of different data visualisations on news recalling and comprehension. Using a quasi-experimental design, three data visualisations (bar chart, coloured map, and timeline) were examined on three different topics; Corona vaccines, conflict in Syria, and Ever Given ship aground. The results suggest that data visualisations can increase recall and comprehension, but this effect is inconsistent for all data visualisations. Also, recall and comprehension are not always correlated; an easy-to-remember visualisation is not necessarily easy to comprehend.