Diagrams and Descriptions in Acquiring Complex Systems

Complex systems such as a car brake, circulatory system, or legislative system can be c onveyed by language or diagrams. Such systems can be presented from structural or functional perspectives. In three e xperiments, we examine c ommunicating structure a nd function of mechanical systems (bike pump, car brake, pulley system) by text and diagrams in relation to mechanical ability. By adding arrows, structural diagrams can be enriched to convey functional i nformation. Inferring structure from function was easier than inferring function from structure. Participants high in mechanical ability outperformed low participants except when text perspective matched question perspective. Those with low mechanical ability are at a disadvantage, especially for inferring function from diagrams. Comprehension of complex systems depends in sensible ways on perspective, medium, and ability.