Which is better: audio book or a normal reading

Even those who love paper books, it is sometimes difficult to find time to read. In such cases, it is convenient to include audio books and do other things. Rogowski Beth (Beth Rogowsky) of Blumsberskogo University conducted an experimentDoes Modality Matter? The Effects of Reading, Listening and Dual Modality on ComprehensionTo ensure that it is well we perceive information on hearing.

Some study participants listened to excerpts from the documentary novel "unbroken"World War II, while others read the same text with the help of an e-book. The third group and read and listen simultaneously. Then all participants were tested for learning. "We found no significant differences in the understanding of those that read, listened to and reading combined with hearing," - said Rogowski.

But the findings do early. In this experiment, electronic, rather than paper books. there is evidenceOvercoming screen inferiority in learning and calibrationThat when reading from the screen we are worse than understand and remember the material. And if Rogowski used paper books, the results would be different.

First, the e-book does not allow to understand at what point you left off. "In the narrative sequence of events is important - says psychologist Daniel Uillingem (Daniel Willingham). - And when you know exactly where the are, it's easier to build a story arch. "

Electronic books show how much interest or minutes left before the end, but it does not give the same effect. The text on the printed page is located at a certain place, and this improvesScreen and Paper Reading Research - A Literature Reviewmemorization.

Listening, as read from the screen, does not provide spatial clues that are in the paper book.

The difference in the perception of influence is another factor: the reverse movement of the eyes. "10-15% of eye movements while reading the reverse, that is, the eyes go back and read again run - Uillingem explains. - It is very fast, you will not even notice that the reading process occurs so. " This feature enhances understanding. In theory, of course, you can rewind the audio file back, but few go to such bother.

Do not forget more and that sometimes all distracted. It may take several seconds or even minutes before you again to concentrate. When reading is easy to find a place where you no longer receive the information, and re-read a fragment again. On the audio recording, this is not so easy, especially if you are listening to a complex text.

The ability to quickly return to the desired location facilitates the learning process. And with the printed text to make it easier to use than an audio file.

"In addition, as long as you turn the pages, then make a break," - says psychologist Daniel David (David B. Daniel). During this short period the brain can keep informationYou have just read.

Daniel was one of the authors of the study, which tested reading comprehension of students. In one experiment, while listening to a podcast, and others read the same information on paper. Then all were tested for understanding the material. And the results of the participants in the first group wereThey Hear, but Do Not Listen: Retention for Podcasted Material in a Classroom Context 28% lower.

It is interesting that before the experiment, the majority of students wanted to get in the audio group. But many said immediately after the test that few remember that and would prefer reading.

There are other obstacles that prevent assimilate information at the hearing. For example, in the book of the important places can be underlined or bold.

Visual cues immediately drawn to our attention and improve memorization.

The audiobook is also impossible. However, if you practice, your skills listening improve. The same appliesOvercoming screen inferiority in learning and calibration and to read from the screen. Over time, you will remember the information from the e-book better.

The last factor that can tip the scales to read - it is a problem of multitasking. "If you're trying to learn something, doing two things at the same time, the worse absorb information," - notes Uillingem. Even if there's one thing you do on autopilot such as driving a car or doing the dishes, part of your attention is occupied, making it difficult training.

But at the audiobooks have other advantages. "People millennia passed on information verbally, - says Uillingem - whereas the printed word came much later. The listener can extract a lot of information from the speaker's intonation. For example, the sarcasm is much easier to transfer voice than text. And if you listen to Shakespeare, the more you can understand the manner of the actor's performance. "

Let's sum up. If the book you need to study or work, read on paper. Because information is stored best. If the book is only for fun, it does not matter, read or you are listening to. The slight difference in perception will not change anything. Choose the format that you prefer.