Hur snabbt är för snabbt? Effekter av presentationstempo på informationsbearbetning

Sammanfattning

Digital media are becoming faster in information presentation, which raises questions about how tempo affects how we process information. This development may indicate that higher presentation rates are perceived as more attractive by users, although it remains unclear how such preferences relate to information processing and comprehension. The aim of this study was to examine how different presentation rates in Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) affect reading comprehension and subjective experience, and whether the order of presentation matters. The study used a mixed experimental design where 34 participants read two texts presented in RSVP format through a test program presented on a computer screen. The presentation rate was adjusted individually (±30% of individual reading speed). Data were collected using reading comprehension questions (factual and inferential) and ratings of subjective experience based on NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA, as well as logistic regression analyses. The results showed that reading comprehension was higher at a slower presentation rate compared to a faster rate. Participants also reported higher mental workload, time pressure, and effort in the faster condition. No significant effects of presentation order were observed, suggesting that the effect of presentation rate was independent of condition order and that participants did not appear to adapt to a specific presentation rate during the experiment. Despite lower scoring on the reading comprehension questions at the faster rate, participants produced more correct responses per second of presentation time, suggesting that information could be processed more quickly despite lower overall comprehension. In conclusion, presentation rate affects both reading comprehension and subjective experience during RSVP reading, and subjective experience does not always match actual performance. The study may contribute to the understanding of how high-tempo digital information environments affect comprehension and perceived workload.