ABSTRACT

With the proliferation of illustrations in instructional materials, it becomes increasingly important to investigate their effects on student learning. The use of illustrations in instructional materials has been pervasive for a considerable amount of time (Feaver, 1977; Slythe, 1970). A substantial research literature has already accumulated concerning the role of illustrations in instructional materials. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce researchers in instructional technology and others to the primary theories of picture perception and to provide a survey and critique of the visual representation research that incorporates static animated illustrations.