Readers absorb less on Kindles than on paper, study finds

[AdamSmith]

I don't own an e-reader as such, but suspected as much just from reading on laptop screen and iPhone vs. paper.

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/aug/19/readers-absorb-less-kindles-paper-study-plot-ereader-digitisation

[wayout]

It is an interesting article and topic, especially considering the use of e-readers in educational institutions will increase (at least that is what I speculate will happen). Perhaps it is already prevalent, something I don't know as I am far removed from that environment. I shared the article with a friend of mine who has his PhD in instructional design and technology to get his viewpoint. Boiling it down he indicated that there is vast literature looking at whether the medium makes a difference and the results have shown that it makes no significant difference. He does not believe the above study will hold up over time and further research.

Here is another study from a year ago that seems to contradict the above: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/06/study-reading-in-print-versus-on-a-computer-or-kindle-doesnt-change-comprehension/276818/

Perhaps this one shows that a younger generation is more adept at being able to use the e-readers as effectively as hard copy. Seems as though further research will be needed.

From my own personal experience, I tend to be more aligned with the results of the first one referenced in AS' post...but then again, I am old fart

[AdamSmith]

As a fellow alta caca I am with you. I do know a slightly separate thing: I can much more easily and quickly edit a piece of writing, either my own or another's, on paper with pen than on screen.

[RA1]

I like to read things on paper. The newspaper, aviation magazines, approach plates (guidance to an airport landing in bad weather) and various other things. But, I do by far the majority of whatever I write by email, Word, PDF or the like. No one can read my writing, not even me. Once, when my bank changed hands ( a frequent occurrence) I went to do some business there. Recognizing no one in the branch and vice versa, they asked me to sign something to compare with my signature card. Even when they handed me the card, I could not duplicate my own signature because it had changed some 10,000 signing ago.

If I was gone many days of the year as I was a few years ago, surely I would adapt to E books and the like. I bought hundreds, literally, of paperback books during those days and read them on the airlines. Today, how convenient an E book might be.

Best regards,

RA1