Coppin, Peter and Hockema, Steve (2009) A cognitive exploration of the “non-visual” nature of geometric proofs. Visual Languages and Logic. pp. 81-95.

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Abstract

Why are Geometric Proofs (Usually) “Non-Visual”? We asked this question as
a way to explore the similarities and differences between diagrams and text (visual
thinking versus language thinking). Traditional text-based proofs are considered
(by many to be) more rigorous than diagrams alone. In this paper we focus on
human perceptual-cognitive characteristics that may encourage textual modes for
proofs because of the ergonomic affordances of text relative to diagrams. We suggest
that visual-spatial perception of physical objects, where an object is perceived
with greater acuity through foveal vision rather than peripheral vision, is similar
to attention navigating a conceptual visual-spatial structure. We suggest that attention
has foveal-like and peripheral-like characteristics and that textual modes
appeal to what we refer to here as foveal-focal attention, an extension of prior
work in focused attention.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	attention, visual thinking, proof, logic, geometry
Divisions:	Faculty of Design Faculty of Design > Industrial Design Graduate Studies > Inclusive Design Research Labs > Perceptual Artifacts Lab (PAL)
Date Deposited:	06 Jul 2016 15:24
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2022 13:30
URI:	https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/1032

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