Correlations and scatterplots: A comparison of auditory and visual modes of learning and testing

Abstract

An experiment examined brief, computer-based modules for teaching and conducting achievement testing of introductory concepts related to correlations and scatterplots. Participants experienced either auditory or visual learning modules followed by either auditory or visual tests of the concepts presented in the modules. Visual modules and tests used on-screen text and visual scatterplots, whereas auditory learning modules and tests presented the same content with text-to-speech (TTS) presentations and auditory versions of scatterplots. Across learning and testing manipulations, no differences were found in the accuracy of responses on the tests, but both auditory learning and auditory testing resulted in longer response times. Results are discussed in the context of computer-based learning and auditory learning and testing as an accommodation.