Design of an Experiment to Evaluate Modes of Value Generalization in Animated Choropleth Maps

In this research, we discuss five design parameters found in cognitive studies related to animated choropleth maps and compare existing studies accordingly. With reference to these parameters, we present the design of an experiment to assess how different forms of value generalization in choropleth map animation affect the perception of overall trends and local deviations therefrom. The mixed study design of the experiment allowed a direct comparison of within-subject and between-subject designs. Using repeated subsampling of our empirical data, the greater statistical power of the within-subject design was proven, even when correcting for differences in the number of data elements analysed.