Flowcharts Used for Procedural Instructions

Abstract

Two factors in the graphic structure of flowcharts used for a problem-solving task were evaluated, The two factors were the directional orientation of the flowchart and the number of alternatives leading from decision boxes. A third factor evaluated was problem complexity. Eight groups of subjects used variations of binary and multiple-alternative flowcharts or prose written in paragraphs to solve problems. Performance measures were the number of incorrect solutions to problems, the time taken to view the formats, and the time taken to solve problems. Performance was best when the directional orientation of the flowchart was consistent with reading patterns (from left to right and from top to bottom). The number of alternatives leading from decision boxes had no effect on performance.

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