Waniek, J., Brunstein, A., Naumann, A., & Krems, J. F. (2003). Interaction between text structure representation and situation model in hypertext reading. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 62(2), 103-111.

Waniek, J.;Brunstein, A.;Naumann,A. ;Krems, J.

2003

Waniek, J., Brunstein, A., Naumann, A., & Krems, J. F. (2003). Interaction between text structure representation and situation model in hypertext reading. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 62(2), 103-111.

geen

Hypertext research results suggest that building a correct representation of the hypertext structure enables users to navigate effectively within the text. Therefore, text comprehension processes involved in hypertext reading should be investigated. In an experimental study, we differentiated the text structure from the dimensions of a postulated coherent situation model in order to compare them. Three electronic text versions, varying in navigational facility, and text structure visualization were compared with respect to orientation, navigation, eye movements, mental representation of text structure and content (situation model). Results demonstrate that when text structure visualization was unavailable, a reorganization of readers' representations of the text structure towards their situation model took place. Navigation within the text particularly affected mental representation of text structure and content.

Readers partially succeeded in building a coherent situation model despite the lack of a corresponding text structure. The data suggest that the construction of the readers' coherent situation model from the read hypertext is best if coherent navigation is possible and if an overview of text structure is presented. If hypertext systems do not meet users' expectations or readers' situation models, it is difficult for users to build a mental representation of the hypertext system. This will in turn lead to orientation problems, navigation problems and incorrect expectations about where to find information, although these problems can be partially compensated for if an overview of text structure is presented.

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