Title
Taking reading comprehension exams on screen or on paper? A metacognitive analysis of learning texts under time pressure
Abstract
People often attribute their reluctance to study texts on screen to technology-related factors rooted in hardware or software. However, previous studies have pointed to screen inferiority in the metacognitive regulation of learning. The study examined the effects of time pressure on learning texts on screen relative to paper among undergraduates who report only moderate paper preference. In Experiment 1, test scores on screen were lower than on paper under time pressure, with no difference under free regulation. In Experiment 2 the time condition was manipulated within participants to include time pressure, free regulation, and an interrupted condition where study was unexpectedly stopped after the time allotted under time pressure. No media effects were found under the interrupted study condition, although technology-related barriers should have taken their effect also in this condition. Paper learners who preferred this learning medium improved their scores when the time constraints were known in advance. No such adaptation was found on screen regardless of the medium preference. Beyond that, paper learning was more efficient and self-assessments of knowledge were better calibrated under most conditions. The results reinforce the inferiority of self-regulation of learning on screen and argue against technology-related factors as the main reason for this.
Year
DOI
Venue
2012
10.1016/j.chb.2012.04.023
Computers in Human Behavior
Keywords
Field
DocType
Self-regulated learning,Digital literacy,Metacomprehension,Metacognitive monitoring and control,Time constraints,Study-time allocation
Social psychology,Self-regulated learning,Reading comprehension,Psychology,Cognitive psychology,Metacomprehension,Metacognition,Study Condition
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
28
5
0747-5632
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
23
1.67
15
Authors
2
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Rakefet Ackerman1343.96
Tirza Lauterman2342.63