Labelling Graphs for Improved Reading Speed

Abstract Three methods of labelling graphs were compared: 1. direct labelling on the functions 2. a key inserted on the graph field below the functions 3. a key inserted below the figure in the position of the figure caption. In both a separate-groups comparison and in a subsequent within-subjects comparison, direct labelling gave reliably the quickest readings (p < 0·01) without loss of accuracy. Reading the labels directly appeared to involve fewer steps and depend less upon short-term memory.