Effects of Text Structure and Seductive Details on Conceptual Change, Situational Interest, and Cognitive Loads

• In Event: What We Read and How We Understand: Text Structure, Comprehension, and Spatial Reasoning

Abstract

Refutational texts have been shown to more likely change individuals’ misconceptions compared to expository texts. Pictures are included in conceptual change texts to either trigger interest or make the material more attractive. Although seductive details are expected to increase situational interest, they hinder learning as it may cognitively overload the individuals. This study investigated effects of the text structure and seductive details on genetically modified foods knowledge, situational interest, and cognitive loads. We found that both text structure and seductive detail had significant main effects on knowledge, suggesting that the refutational text group and the group without seductive details outperformed. Additionally, participants who were exposed to seductive details demonstrated higher levels of extraneous cognitive load than who were not.

Authors

• Gan Jin, Washington State University - Pullman

• Onur Ramazan, Washington State University - Pullman

• Robert William Danielson, Washington State University - Spokane

• Chengyuan Chi, Yangzhou University