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Reports 2 experiments concerned with the effects of headings, both embedded and intact (outline), on the processing of complex text material. Results of Exp I with 132 undergraduates indicate that embedded headings reliably improved delayed test performance. In Exp II with 106 Ss, it was further found that instructions in the use of headings as processing aids facilitated test performance. A discrepancy, however, was observed between the 2 experiments in that the presentation of headings without instructions failed to increase test scores significantly on the dependent measures of Exp II. Sensitization to the headings is proposed as one possible explanation ...

Reports 2 experiments concerned with the effects of headings, both embedded and intact (outline), on the processing of complex text material. Results of Exp I with 132 undergraduates indicate that embedded headings reliably improved delayed test performance. In Exp II with 106 Ss, it was further found that instructions in the use of headings as processing aids facilitated test performance. A discrepancy, however, was observed between the 2 experiments in that the presentation of headings without instructions failed to increase test scores significantly on the dependent measures of Exp II. Sensitization to the headings is proposed as one possible explanation ...

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of text structure and prior knowledge of the learner on reading comprehension, browsing and perceived control. Three types of texts are distinguished, differing in structure (traditional linear text, hierarchical hypertext, and mixed hypertext). In all conditions, subjects were allowed 40 min to read through the document. After completing the reading part of the experiment, they were asked to fill out the perceived control questionnaire followed by the reading comprehension test. As far as reading comprehension was concerned, knowledgeable subjects had higher reading comprehension scores than nonknowledgeable subjects in the linear ...

A randomized trial comparing the amount of knowledge orally recalled from four different presentations of the same consent information was conducted in a non-clinic sample of 233 low-income parents who displayed a range of reading comprehension skill. The study simulated recruitment of children into one of two actual studies underway at another location: one involved high risk to participants, the other did not. Use of a non-clinic sample controlled for prior knowledge of the conditions, and avoiding discussion of the information further assured that differences in recalled information could be attributed more confidently to the format itself. The formats included ...

Comprehension of written argument has been less thoroughly examined than comprehension of other text types, even though, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress results, many adults cannot competently comprehend lengthy written arguments (Kirsch, Jungeblut, Jenkins, & Kolstad, 1993). Three experiments based on Toulmin's (1958) argument model, Meyer's (1985) comprehension model, and Calfee and Chambliss' (1987) text design model identified text cues and comprehension strategies used by competent readers comprehending lengthy arguments. Eighty 12th grade advanced placement English students read arguments varying in argument structure, content familiarity, and argument signaling and completed either written survey or think-aloud protocol comprehension tasks. ...

Comprehension of written argument has been less thoroughly examined than comprehension of other text types, even though, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress results, many adults cannot competently comprehend lengthy written arguments (Kirsch, Jungeblut, Jenkins, & Kolstad, 1993). Three experiments based on Toulmin's (1958) argument model, Meyer's (1985) comprehension model, and Calfee and Chambliss' (1987) text design model identified text cues and comprehension strategies used by competent readers comprehending lengthy arguments. Eighty 12th grade advanced placement English students read arguments varying in argument structure, content familiarity, and argument signaling and completed either written survey or think-aloud protocol comprehension tasks. ...

Comprehension of written argument has been less thoroughly examined than comprehension of other text types, even though, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress results, many adults cannot competently comprehend lengthy written arguments (Kirsch, Jungeblut, Jenkins, & Kolstad, 1993). Three experiments based on Toulmin's (1958) argument model, Meyer's (1985) comprehension model, and Calfee and Chambliss' (1987) text design model identified text cues and comprehension strategies used by competent readers comprehending lengthy arguments. Eighty 12th grade advanced placement English students read arguments varying in argument structure, content familiarity, and argument signaling and completed either written survey or think-aloud protocol comprehension tasks. ...

This study examined the effect of news teasers on viewer processing of TV news. Results showed that the presence of a news teaser enhanced viewer recall and comprehension of the news story teased. In addition, the effectiveness of different types of news teasers was explored: the presence of a program reference in a news teaser was found to be more effective in facilitating viewer comprehension of the news story, while presentation format of the news teaser did not make a difference. ...

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile discharge instruction videos (MDIVs) in communicating discharge instructions to patients with lacerations or sprains.Method: A prospective controlled study was performed on patients with lacerations or sprains in a quaternary emergency center from April 1, 2008 to May 31, 2008. Upon discharge, patients were systematically allocated to receive printed discharge instructions (PDIs) or MDIVs. Within 48 hours of the patients' discharge, a standard questionnaire was provided via telephone to evaluate the patients' comprehension of, convenience rating for, and satisfaction with their given discharge instructions.Results: Of the 645 patients with lacerations or sprains during ...

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (England and Wales) modified suspects' right to silence during police questioning and required a new police caution. The current 37-word caution was introduced after it was found that a proposed 60-word draft version was too complex. The results of the present study show that, although more succinct, the current caution is no easier to explain. Even under optimal conditions, when the participants could focus on each sentence in turn, only 1 in 10 of the general population (n = 15), 6 in 10 of A-level students preparing for university (n = 72) ...