Using pictograms improves the understanding of Stock-Flow Systems
Date
2020Abstract
We examined if we could improve performance in so-called Stock-
Flow Systems (SF-systems). SF-systems are dynamic systems, which consist of
a stock and two flows – the inflow and the outflow. The stock changes
depending on the flows’ patterns. Many persons have problems understanding
these systems (Sterman, 2002). Up to now, only one modification of the flows’
representation format led to rather strongly enhanced SF-performance: using
pictograms instead of line graphs (Brockhaus, Arnold, Schwarz, & Sedlmeier,
2013). The present experiment analyzed if pictograms led to better
performance when the SF-task was somewhat changed; this time, we focused
on basic SF-understanding. Additionally, it analyzed, if further modifications of
the diagram – emphasizing the distinction of the two flows and emphasizing
the calculated difference of inflow minus outflow – could improve SF-
performance. Results showed, the effect was smaller, and participants working
on pictograms only solved about 50% or less of the tasks correctly. However,
using pictograms improved SF-performance again.