Which Book Would You Like to Read Next? Reading Motivation and Book Characteristics

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Issues in Literacy Roundtable 1

Abstract

On the basis of book data from 401 ninth graders, the present study examines the relation of book characteristics with situational reading motivation, differentiating between school and recreational book reading. Furthermore, we investigate the relation between situational motivation and habitual reading enjoyment. We used text genre, a readability measure and books’ publication year to examine the effects on students’ situational motivation within school or during recreational time. Results showed, that first, recreational reading motivation exceeded school reading motivation. Second, the reading of classic literature was a negative predictor for situational reading motivation. Third, students who read older and more difficult books, were less motivated in reading the book. And fourth, specific book reading experiences were linked to habitual reading motivation.

Authors

• Franziska Maria Locher, University of Bamberg

• Sarah Becker, University of Bamberg

• Maximilian Pfost, University of Bamberg