Abstract

Performance is better when the mapping of display-control configurations adheres to population stereotypes, such as the Warrick's principle, scale-side principle, and clockwise-to-increase principle. These population stereotypes have been shown to apply to many linear displays that are operated by rotary dials where users make a clockwise or counterclockwise response. However, many software applications now require users to respond to dial representations with a mouse click rather than a dial turn. The present study examined whether the Warrick's, scale-side, and clockwise-to-increase principles apply to tasks that involve mouse-click responses. More stereotype-consistent responses were obtained for dial-turn questions than for mouse-click questions, implying that the movement of the control may be an important factor in predicting users' responses based on these three principles. These findings indicate that care must be taken when applying population stereotypes to programs that use mouse-click responses.