Barufaldi, J. P. & Dietz, M. A. (1975). Effects of solid objects and two-dimensional representations of the objects on visual observation and comparison among urban children. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 12(2), 127-132.

(Discussion and Conclusion.) The results of this study indicate that children in sixth grade were more skillful on observation and comparison tasks employing solid objects than on those tasks employing photographs. Children in second grade performed better on observation and comparison tasks utilizing photographs than on those tasks employing solid objects.

Children in grades four and six were more skillful on observation and comparison tasks employing solid objects than on those tasks using drawings of the objects. In addition, fourth graders were more successful in performing the tasks when presented with photographs than when presented with drawings.

Children in grades one, four, and six demonstrate a tendency to perform more efficiently on observation and comparison tasks employing solid objects than on tasks utilizing photographs of the objects. Children across all grade levels demonstrated a tendency to perform more successfully on observation and comparison tasks employing photographs of objects than when the drawings are utilized.

It is quite evident, therefore, that differences in visual perception of solid objects and two-dimensional representations of the objects do affect the performance of urban children on visual observation and comparison tasks. The educational implications that may be drawn from the results of this study focus upon the selection of appropriate experiences in elementary science which educators provide for children. Perhaps educators should design experiences that would give children greater opportunity to utilize photographs and drawings in the development of scientific skills since these types of two-dimensional representations are basic to educational exemplars such as books, films, bulletin board displays, and other instructional materials.