2D vs. 3D Graphing Styles: A Comparison of the Accuracy of Reader Perceptions for 2D vs. 3D Graphs*
Andrew F. Russell, John S. Bielewicz · 2005
Students and researchers often choose a graphing style for the display of data based on the style’s aesthetic, rather than functional, qualities. Three-dimensional graphs may look more professional, but use of this style may negatively influence the accuracy of a reader’s perception of the presented information. The purpose of this study is to test perceptual accuracy of subjects when reading graphs rendered in a 2-dimensional versus a 3dimensional graphing style. The test was given to students via two mediums: paper and electronic. Results were analyzed to determine the degree to which accuracy is affected based on the style of graph used and the medium in which it is presented.