Lachman, R. (1989). Comprehension aids for on-line reading of expository text. Human Factors, 31(1), 1-15.

Lachman, R.

1989

Lachman, R. (1989). Comprehension aids for on-line reading of expository text. Human Factors, 31(1), 1-15.

geen

A chapter of expository text was presented on a CRT with optional 'windowing' of definitions of selected words varying in relevance to each screen's main ideas. A test treatment was interposed to influence reading strategies. Dependent variables included text reading time, frequency of definition 'calls', definition reading rates, and scores on a final comprehension test. Results indicate that a technical chapter can be read from a CRT with appreciable content retention. Subjects accessed 80% of available definitions, but those able to 'call' content-relevant definitions increased their frequency of definition 'calls'. Definition reading rate diminished; comprehension and processing time increased only for subjects accessing the theoretically relevant definitions. The results suggest how the use of definitions enhances the comprehension of on-line training manuals, texts, and help screens. 'Callable' definitions need not include all low-frquency technical concepts but only those relevant to reductive main ideas.

The results suggest how the use of definitions enhances the comprehension of on-line training manuals, texts, and help screens. 'Callable' definitions need not include all low-frquency technical concepts but only those relevant to reductive main ideas.

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