Hyona, J., & Lorch, R. F. (2004). Effects of topic headings on text processing: Evidence from adult readers' eye fixation patterns. Learning and Instruction, 14(2), 131-152.

Hyona, J.; Lorch, R.

2004

Hyona, J., & Lorch, R. F. (2004). Effects of topic headings on text processing: Evidence from adult readers' eye fixation patterns. Learning and Instruction, 14(2), 131-152.

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Effects of topic headings on the processing of multiple-topic expository texts were examined with the help of readers' eye fixation patterns. Adult participants read two texts, one in which topic shifts were signaled by topic headings and one in which topic headings were excluded. The presence of topic headings facilitated the processing of topic sentences and increased the number of topics mentioned in the text summaries written after reading the texts. The facilitatory effect of headings was reflected both in the fixations made during the first-pass reading as well as in the later look-backs directed to the topic sentences. A framework is outlined to depict the process of reading and comprehending multiple-topic expository texts.

Topic headings were observed to be powerful signaling devices that facilitate on-line comprehension processes and improve memory for text topics. The extent of their influence may come as a surprise, as topic headings are single noun phrases that simply mention the upcoming new topic. Thus, they notably differ from more elaborate signaling devices (e.g., advanced organizers). As we have argued above, their effectiveness lies in the fact they provide a mental frame into which upcoming text information may be integrated.

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