Understanding phylogenies in biology: the influence of a Gestalt Perceptual Principle

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Applied
Laura R Novick, Kefyn M Catley

Abstract

Cladograms, hierarchical diagrams depicting evolutionary histories among (groups of) species, are commonly drawn in 2 informationally equivalent formats--tree and ladder. The authors hypothesize that these formats are not computationally equivalent because the Gestalt principle of good continuation obscures the hierarchical structure of ladders. Experimental results confirmed that university students (N = 44) prefer to subdivide ladders in accordance with good continuation rather than with the underlying hierarchical structure. Two subsequent experiments (N = 164) investigated cladogram understanding by examining students' ability to translate between formats (e.g., from tree to ladder). As predicted, students had greater difficulty understanding ladders than trees. This effect was larger for students with weaker backgrounds in biology. These results have important implications for evolution education reform.

Citations

May 15, 2009·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology : QJEP·Sean M Hurley, Laura R Novick
Mar 7, 2013·CBE Life Sciences Education·Deborah Allen
Nov 30, 2010·PLoS Currents·Jeremy MartinE O Wiley
Jan 26, 2011·Memory & Cognition·Kristie J FisherMiriam Bassok
Jan 26, 2016·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Briana Pobiner
May 17, 2011·Evolution·Richard P Meisel
Apr 6, 2011·Cognitive Science·Laura R NovickDaniel J Funk
Jul 1, 2011·Topics in Cognitive Science·Laura R NovickKefyn M Catley
Jul 1, 2011·Topics in Cognitive Science·Mary Hegarty
Jul 1, 2011·Topics in Cognitive Science·Barbara Tversky
Dec 3, 2014·CBE Life Sciences Education·Jonathan DeesLisa Montplaisir
May 12, 2018·CBE Life Sciences Education·Jonathan DeesJennifer L Momsen

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