Effects of different text display types on reading comprehension, sustained attention and cognitive load in mobile reading contexts

Abstract

Despite the popularity of mobile reading devices, many studies have indicated that small screens restrict information transmission, adversely affecting reading performance on mobile devices. Moreover, mobile reading typically occurs in different reading contexts. Therefore, suitable text display type for mobile reading in different reading contexts should be considered, such that learners can effectively read content. This work selected the frequently used static and dynamic text display types (i.e. Paging and Auto-scrolling) and assessed their effects on mobile reading performance. Furthermore, the features of static and dynamic text display types were considered when designing a mixed text display type for mobile reading. Based on brainwave detector, reading-comprehension test sheet, and cognitive-load scale, this work designed a mobile reading experiment with a two-factor experimental design to assess the effects of the selected static, dynamic, and designed text display types, which were respectively presented in sitting, standing, and walking contexts, on reading comprehension, sustained attention, and cognitive load of learners. Experimental results show that sitting obtained the highest sustained attention and the mixed text garnered lowest sustained attention. Moreover, although analytical results show that no significant difference existed in overall reading comprehension with each text type presented with the mobile reading contexts, reading comprehension (i.e. memory, comprehension, and application types) was significantly affected by the reading context, and to some degree, the text display type. This work also found that the text display type is a major factor affecting learners' cognitive load; however, learners' cognitive load is not be affected by the considered reading contexts. Among the three text display types, the mixed type generates the highest cognitive load, followed by the dynamic type, and then the static type. In conclusion, the three reading contexts with the three text display types have both advantages and disadvantages for reading comprehension, sustained attention, and cognitive load. As a result, text display type for mobile reading on small screens should be adjusted according to reading context or to improve reading comprehension, attention, or cognitive load.

An Adaptive User Interface for Walking While Reading on a Mobile Device

“…In theory, this could improve waking performance and make it safer to use the mobile device on the move. There have been a few studies exploring this possibility (Chen & Lin, 2016;Kane, Wobbrock, & Smith, 2008;Schildbach & Rukzio, 2010). The present research thesis attempts to add to this literature by considering the implementation of an AUI to help facilitate reading comprehension and successful navigation while walking and using a mobile device.…”

“…Indeed, Williams (2008) argues that the main advantage of AUIs for mobile devices compared to static interfaces is that they can take into consideration a user's context. Many of the studies done on AUI have only looked at adaptable menus as the adaptive function, including Findlater and McGrenere's mobile study (with a few exceptions -see Chen & Lin, 2016;Kane et al, 2008). This should be considered a limitation of the field there are a number of potential adaptive functions outside of adaptive menus that have yet to be explored.…”

“…There have been several different studies that have looked at the possibility of improving mobile use while walking (Chen & Lin, 2016;Kane et al, 2008;MacKay et al, 2005;Schildbach & Rukzio, 2010;Yen & Chien, 2011). Most of these studies have looked at primarily two manipulations that can serve to lessen the cognitive load of the task while walking.…”

“…While manual scrolling may be detrimental while walking, an auto-scrolling interface may help reading comprehension instead. Chen and Lin (2016) looked at the effects of reading comprehension, sustained attention and cognitive load in different mobile reading contexts. They did this by comparing both static and dynamic (adaptive) text display types, as well as their own mixed display type, which combined elements of both.…”

“…Therefore, this study compares reading comprehension while sitting and walking on three different interfaces; a static manual scroll interface, an auto scroll interface, and an auto scroll with zoom interface. Unlike Chen and Lin (2016), this study is narrower in scope, as it solely focuses on reading and walking performance. The custom auto-scroll speed and the ability to pause and reverse, make this a more comprehensive evaluation of auto-scroll displays in the context of walking.…”