Format Readability Enhancing In Basic Mathematical Operations

Abstract

Individuated font selection, which can increase text reading speed, may be able to increase mathematical expression reading speed and influence reasoning accuracy. To investigate whether the same font that increases a participant’s reading speed enhances mathematical reading, we compared their speed in evaluating mathematical expressions as true or false presented in their fastest reading font as determined by empirical test and with a control font, Times Roman. Participants were faster in completing mathematical problems when using typography selected for individual readability, but no difference occurred in task accuracy, matching patterns previously seen in interlude reading. Future research should assess the impact of elements of time pressure, math complexity, numeric versus text-based questions, and associated math anxiety.