Skimming comprehension in two online document presentation environments
| Pages | 382-396 |
| Date | 09 September 2014 |
| Published date | 09 September 2014 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-01-2014-0011 |
| Author | Nathan Lowrance,Heather Lea Moulaison |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
Skimming comprehension in two
online document presentation
environments
Nathan Lowrance and Heather Lea Moulaison
The iSchool, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
Abstract
Purpose – Readability applications are the software products designed to make online text more
readable. Using information foraging theory as a framework, the purpose of this paper is to study the
extent, if at all, using a readability application improves skimming comprehension in a low-clutter
online environment. It also seeks to identify the perceived benefits or effects of using a readability
application for skimming comprehension.
Design/methodology/approach – Ten participants skimmed two articles each, one in a low-clutter
online document presentation environment, the other using an online readability application, as a timed,
informationforaging exercise. After reading each article,respondents answered true/false comprehension
questions and follow up questions.
Findings – There was little difference in the comprehension of respondents after skimming in the
two online documentation presentation environments. The readability environment was the preferred
environment.
Practical implications – This study suggests that since participants claimed to prefer the text
presentation of the readability application interface, interface designers may wish to create library
interfaces for information seeking that follow the readability application format. Because some of the
participants found themselves reading rather than skimming when using the readability application,
readability for tasks other than skimming may be enhanced.
Originality/value – This is a practical study investigating an existing online readability application
and its effects on an existingonline readingenvironment as theypertain to information seekingbehavior
in general and to information foraging in particular.
Keywords User interfaces, Information foraging, Online document presentation environment,
Readability applications, Skimming comprehension, Software
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
This study is a first step in beginning to determine if interface design, as it relates to
online document presentation, can help make users become better infor mation
foragers. Studies of web browsing behavior show that readers often sk im, looking
for the most meaningful parts of articles rather than reading articles thoroughly
(Liu, 2005; Morkes and Nielson, 1997). Examining the effects of document presentation is
important since information seekers skim as a part of the information seeking process,
and since online texts are now so readily available. Information seekers often have to
skim through multiple resources before being able to make their document selections.
Information seekers need to understand how the onlin e document presentation
environment may affect skimming vs reading behaviors. Educators may be interested in
understanding this as well. Information providers will be concer ned with how to attract
and maintain the interest of readers and how to ensure that their ability to comprehend
the information being presented is not hindered.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Received 26 January 2014
Revised 9 May 2014
Accepted 10 May 2014
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 32 No. 3, 2014
pp. 382-396
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-01-2014-0011 Thanks to John Lowrance for his editorial aid.
382
LHT
32,3
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