Augmenting the Refutation Text Effect With Refutation Graphics: An Eye Movement Study

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Advances in Reading and Writing Research

Abstract

This study extends research on the refutation text effect by examining processes and outcomes of learning from refutation text and graphic about seasonal change. Eighty-five university students were randomly assigned to four conditions differing for type of text and graphic (standard vs. refutation) in a pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest design. Eye-tracking methodology was used to trace information processing. Findings revealed that refutation text with refutation graphic induced greater processing compared to standard text with standard graphic, as reflected in a longer fixation time on the illustration of the scientific explanation and more integrative transitions from verbal to graphical information and vice versa. Readers of refutation text with refutation graphic also outperformed readers in the control condition for conceptual learning.

Authors

• Sonia Zaccoletti, University of Padova

• Lucia Mason, University of Padova

• Caterina Tornatora, University of Padua

• Sara Scrimin, University of Padova

• Robert William Danielson, University of Southern California

• Gale M. Sinatra, University of Southern California