“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@gmail.com jessicaemilymoyer.pbworks.com readingformatchoicesdissertation.pbworks.com

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

Theoretical Frameworks Reader Response Theory Rosenblatt (1978) Engaged Reading Wigfield and Guthrie (1996)

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

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?

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

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

Comprehension

Interest

Preferred Leisure Reading Format Computer Ebook reader Print Other Audiobook

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.

Future Research Expand study of comprehension and interest across formats to much older and younger readers Investigate the differences between tablet computers (iPad) and dedicated ebook readers (Kindle) for leisure reading and textbook reading In depth study of known audiobook listeners Implications for library services