The Cognitive Map Mechanism in Digital Reading: An Experimental Study on the Influence of Textual Representation on Cognitive Effects
Yeping Liu, Liang Zhao, Qing Fang, Mofan Song · Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology · 2024
ABSTRACT The Cognitive Map Mechanism explains that different textual representations influence cognitive effects by affecting how readers mentally organize and navigate information. The application of this mechanism in digital reading remains underexplored. We conducted a lab experiment(N = 148) manipulating low/medium/high textual representation through non−/micro−/combined‐annotation modes. Our aim was to clarify how the cognitive map based digital reading variations impact reading comprehension, performance calibration, and reading speed. Sufficient results showed that high‐level textual representation provides superior cognitive effects in all dimensions. It is interesting to discover that medium‐level textual representation impaired cognitive effects compared to low‐level representation. Specifically, metacognition negatively moderated the influence of textual representation level on reading speed, suggesting that texts with both micro‐annotations and graphic organizers can provide comprehensive cues and visual correlations to build cognitive map, thereby enhancing cognitive effects. Our study contributes novel insights for future research and practical implementation of cognitive‐oriented strategies in digital context.