Month/Year of Graduation

8-2019

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Michael Cortese

Abstract

This research study investigated the effects that font type and amount of time had on the reading comprehension. It was predicted that students restricted with time and given difficult-to-read font (Haettenschweiler) would perform more poorly because more cognitive resources are being utilized to decode the typography compared to an easy-to-read font (Times New Roman). Consequently, there would be fewer cognitive resources available to comprehend and remember the material. Previous research has consistently shown that subjects perform better from reading or memorizing words in difficult-to-read font. However, almost all previous research has consisted of short passages, thereby limiting ecological validity. Results indicate that students reading in Times New Roman scored better, on average, than those reading in Haettenschweiler. Furthermore, participants given unlimited time scored better than those with limited time.

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