Definition
According to Peirce (1906), objects can be represented by symbolic, iconic, and indexical signs. While a symbol is related to a represented object by convention, an icon is related to a represented object by structural commonalities. An index is related to a represented object by a connection of fact, such as a causal effect. Pictorial representations are often interpreted as icons; however, they can also constitute symbols or indices. A general distinction of pictorial representations is between realistic pictures and logical pictures. Realistic pictures, such as photographs, paintings, and sketches, share concrete attributes and structures with the objects they represent. A photograph, for instance, might share colors and spatial relations with the objects it represents. In contrast, logical pictures, such as schematic illustrations and diagrams, share abstract attributes...
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Ploetzner, R. (2012). Pictorial Representations and Learning. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_308
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