Construction of Cognitive Maps to Improve Reading Performance by Text Signaling: Reading Text on Paper Compared to on Screen

Abstract

Reading text from a screen has been shown to be less effective compared with reading text from paper. Various signals may provide both background information and navigational cues, and may promote the construction of cognitive maps during on-screen reading, thus improving reading performance. This study randomly divided 75 college students into a paper reading group and an on-screen reading group. Both groups were tested for navigation and reading comprehension in response to three different forms of signaling (plain text, physical signaling, and verbal signaling). The results showed that when plain text was presented, the navigation and comprehension scores of the paper reading group were significantly higher than those of the on-screen reading group. However, no significant difference was found between both groups under signaling conditions. The navigation and comprehension scores of both groups were significantly higher under signaling conditions than under plain text. Moreover, the comprehension score of the on-screen reading group under physical signaling was significantly higher than that under verbal signaling. This research suggested that signals help to construct cognitive maps and effectively improve reading performance. Besides, physical signaling, such as underlining and bold formatting, is more effective for on-screen reading. The present study provides a practical and effective approach for improving on-screen reading based on cognitive map theory.

A scoping review: What is known about the reasoning behind using paper versus screen resources and its impact on engagement and comprehension?

“…The medium materiality mechanism considers the impact the medium has on an individual, with research showing that reading from physical paper better supports the development of cognitive maps (Mangen et al, 2019). Lastly, text signalling impacts on how well cognitive maps were constructed (Shi et al, 2020).…”

“…In addition, the use of text signalling supported the development and strength of cognitive maps. (Shi et al, 2020).…”

“…With a strong link to the comprehension of information, the creation of cognitive maps relies on the environment providing strong text signalling (Hou et al, 2017a;Shi et al, 2020).…”

“…The study concluded that reading from paper helps individuals develop more robust cognitive maps than when reading digital text(Mangen et al, 2019). The difference may have been because the paper provides more significant placeholders which allows individuals to off-load cognitive processes.Text signallingFurthermore, as highlighted byHou et al (2017a) andShi et al (2020), it was identified in their research that text signalling is an essential aspect of the cognitive map construction.Text signalling, as described byShi et al (2020), is a reading strategy where words, phrases and sentences are used within the text; however, instead of adding new content, they emphasise specific content Shi et al (2020). examined the construction of cognitive maps and how they improve reading performance when using text signalling.…”