1. “Teens Today Don’t Read Books Anymore” A Study of Differences in Comprehension and Interest Across Multiple Formats
Jessica E. Moyer
Doctoral Candidate, Literacy Education
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
jessicaemilymoyer.pbworks.com
readingformatchoicesdissertation.pbworks.com

2. Background
NEA’s reading reports have confusing and contradictory data but are widely reported
The definition of reading needs to change
Are different modalities a way can we re-engage this generation of readers?
More connections need to be made between education and LIS research, especially in reading

3. Research Questions
Can college-age students comprehend and engage with texts in the same way if they are presented in multiple formats?
Does their current reading ability affect their comprehension or engagement?
What are the characteristics of college students in terms of reading?

4. Definition of Leisure Reading
The reading or listening to any texts, in which the reader has some element of control over text choice.
Leisure reading includes silent reading, reading aloud, and listening
Texts include fiction, nonfiction, books, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, comic books, manga, magazines and online reading

5. Methodology
Student research assistant Lauren Jackley helps to pilot test the three test conditions
All procedures approved by U of Minnesota IRB, study #1003P79140

6. Results
Participants’ levels of comprehension were the same for print books, ebooks and audiobooks (p = .62)
Particpants levels of interest and engagement were the same for all three formats (p = .97).
Participants had a strong preference (91%) for print as a leisure reading format

7. Comprehension

8. Interest

9. Preferred Leisure Reading Format
Computer
Ebook
reader
Print
Other
Audiobook

10. Discussion
Libraries, schools and colleges should not hesitate in adopting audiobooks and ebooks, particularly for leisure or independent reading assignments.
Downloadable audiobook and ebook collections should no longer be considered an optional service for any type of library.
Finally, researchers and governmental agencies need to modernize their definition of reading to account for the emergence of new formats.