Investigation of the Strength of Association between Graphic Symbology and Military Information

Abstract : This investigation sought to determine the strength of associations of simple codes or geometrical shapes with military concepts. Symbols were chosen for easy generation on computer displays or for ease of manual reproduction. Each of 114 enlisted men ranked battlefield information categories (e.g., Unit Level, Danger, and Firepower) in the order of their strength of association with different sets of symbols, with numbers of each set varying in a single characteristic. In a related task, these persons were asked to rank order military branch or duty designations and tactical function terms by how well they were suggested by both geometrical symbols and miscellaneous 'stick' symbols. A second group of 137 enlisted persons had the reverse task of ranking symbols against one another for their strength of association with military concepts. Both groups of participants had only limited prior exposure to military symbology. Results suggest that 'natural'associations can be found between graphic codes or symbols and military concepts. Results were categorized as high, medium, minimal, and insignificant associations, based on the statistical significance of differences among ranks and on the degree of reflexive associations between symbols and concepts. The data gathered identify symbol characteristics for consideration in modifying current symbology. Natural codes or symbols based on such a consensus should be easily learned and interpreted.