To Scroll or Not to Scroll: Scrolling, Working Memory Capacity, and Comprehending Complex Texts
Christopher A. Sanchez, Jennifer Wiley · Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society · 2009
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of these experiments was to examine the effects of user characteristics on learning from scrolling interfaces. BACKGROUND: Although scrolling Web pages are now common, few studies have explored the effects of scrolling on understanding the content that is being conveyed. METHOD: This set of studies investigated whether presenting text in two particular formats has an effect on comprehension for readers who differ in working memory capacity. RESULTS: Results from both studies indicated that a scrolling format reduced understanding of complex topics from Web pages, especially for readers who were lower in working memory capacity. CONCLUSION: These findings show that the way text is presented can interact with learner abilities to affect learning outcomes. APPLICATION: These results have implications for both educational technology and human interfaces that present information using displays that can vary in size and construction.