Batch vs. Sequential Displays: Effects on Human Problem Solving 1

Abstract

This study was concerned with problem solving under two display conditions. In one condition (“Sequential”), only those response alternatives permissable at any given time were displayed at that time. Under the other condition (“Batch”), all response alternatives, permissable at the moment or not, were presented at all times. Significantly greater time was found to be required to learn solutions using the “Batch” display. This requirement was attributed to the significantly greater display search-time which was found to be required in that condition. No significant difference in number of trials to reach the criterion of learning solutions was found, indicating that the additional material displayed in the “Batch” condition carries no significant amount of useful information. It is concluded that displaying data which has only potential relevance is not only ineffective but actually degrades performance.