Sketching Biological Phenomena and Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Biological illustration
• Scientific communication
• Cognitive science

Background:

• Diagrams are crucial in biology for explaining phenomena and mechanisms.
• Scientists integrate experimental data to construct coherent visual representations.
• Diagram construction involves iterative sketching and revision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the process by which scientists construct explanatory diagrams.
• To analyze the evolution of diagrams from initial sketches to final representations.
• To understand the norms guiding diagram creation in scientific research.

Main Methods:

• Examined sketches from two research projects on cyanobacteria circadian rhythms.
• Analyzed the iterative development of diagrams from experimental data.
• Compared final diagrams with established cognitive design principles.

Main Results:

• Diagrams evolved through multiple revisions from initial data sketches.
• Final diagrams, while effective for conveying concepts, sometimes deviated from cognitive design principles.
• The process prioritized explanatory power over adherence to abstract design rules.

Conclusions:

• Scientific diagramming is driven by the need for broad explanation.
• The iterative sketching process aims to achieve a coherent and acceptable representation of phenomena or mechanisms.
• Explanatory success, rather than strict adherence to cognitive design principles, governs diagram development.