ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by describing the range of material to be considered and then give an account of the peculiar characteristics of visual thought which graphs and diagrams utilise to such advantage. The category is worth preserving despite the poor example, as it is extremely important. Mathematics and logic are in an important sense visual. Mathematical symbols are the basis of mathematical operations, so the form they take is an integral part of the concepts. Graphic experts have advised that the use of circles for showing quantitative data is inferior to bar charts. It is argued that judgements of length are easier to make than judgements of area or volume. A curious feature of much of this and similar research in graphic communication is the simple framework which is used to describe results. Research should begin with an open-ended investigation, the purpose of which is to generate alternative uses and styles of usage of the graphic material.
