Background Graphics: A Decision-Making Hindrance or Enhancement

摘要

This thesis investigated the influence, if any, of background graphics on thedecision making process. Specifically the hypotheses tested the affect of background graphics on a decision makers accuracy and confidence. A literature review revealed an abundance of graphic research but little reference to the use of background graphics. Using guidelines previously created for high integrity graphics, a timed 2 x 2 factorial experimental design was developed to compare the responses to both traditional graphics and those treated with background graphics. One hundred forty-seven subjects, all employees of the United States Air Force or defense contractors were involved in the experiments. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to test the hypotheses. The analysis of the test results indicate that background graphics neither affect decision accuracy nor the confidence a decision-maker places in a decision. It was also determined that gender and training have no affect on accuracy and confidence.