Stereotypes for direction-of-movement of rotary controls associated with linear displays: the effects of scale presence and position, of pointer direction, and distances between the control and the display

Abstract

This study attempted to replicate the findings of Brebner and Sandow (1976) and to illuminate further the variables which affect people's direction-of-movemcnt expectations for rotary controls used to control vertical linear displays. The results support the Brebner and Sandow study showing that when the control is located directly above or below the display, the pointer on the display is expected to move in the same direction as that side of the control knob on the same side as the scale markings on the display. In the absence of a scale but using a directional (arrow-type) pointer, the pointer's direction determines which side of the control knob is associated with it and expected to move in the same direction.

As expected, when the control is located to the side of the display, the stereotype described by Warrick's (1947) principle is stronger if (he pointer points away from the control than it is if it points toward the control.