The Role of Reader Characteristics and Depth of Engagement in Understanding Controversial Information About Vaccines (Poster 7)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: Literacy Poster Session Three

Abstract

This study examines the roles of individual differences in vocabulary, knowledge, beliefs, and reading engagement in constructing more complete, coherent understandings about a controversial topic: Should children receive vaccinations against common diseases? College undergraduates (n=119) completed assessments of vocabulary knowledge, and specific topic knowledge and beliefs. Students read two texts that conveyed accurate information that vaccines are helpful, and two that conveyed inaccurate information that vaccines are unnecessary in modern times, and then wrote an essay from memory. Beyond pre-reading individual differences, depth of reading engagement with accurate information predicted understanding that there are conflicting viewpoints, and tagging of the different ideas to their respective sources.

Authors

• Catherine McGrath, Georgia State University
  Presenting Author

• Jason Braasch, Georgia State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Xinle Hong, Georgia State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Erica Kessler, University of Memphis
  Non-Presenting Author

• Laura K. Allen, University of Minnesota
  Non-Presenting Author

• Danielle S. McNamara, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author