The Importance of Imagery for Effects of Narratives in Health Education Materials on Knowledge

• In Event: Narrative Processing

Abstract

This research examines the role of imagery for the effect that narratives in health education materials have on knowledge. It focuses on the effects of two strategies to apply the narrative format in health education materials. These strategies are (1) replacing the traditionally used non-narrative texts with narratives, and (2) adding testimonials to non-narrative texts. Secondary data analyses are conducted using path modelling on data from three previously conducted experiments. Results show that both strategies can increase imagery, but that the effect is stronger for the testimonials strategy. However, it appears that the effect of testimonials is primarily caused by the repetition of information rather than the narrative form of testimonials. Imagery both has a direct and indirect effect on the cognitive effort that is invested, which in turn has a positive effect on knowledge. Hence, the facilitation imagery is an important factor for establishing effects on knowledge.

Authors

• Simon Zebregs, University of Amsterdam

• Bas van den Putte, U of Amsterdam, ASCoR

• Peter Neijens, U of Amsterdam