Behavioral Engagement Mediates the Relationship Between Main Idea Summarization and Multiple Document Comprehension

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined direct and indirect relationships between main idea summarization and multiple document comprehension when university students read four conflicting documents on the controversial socio-scientific issue of sun exposure and health. Main idea summarization was measured by having participants summarize the main idea of each paragraph in writing when reading the documents, and participants’ multiple document comprehension was measured by analyzing their post-reading written reports about the issue in terms of their ability to elaborate and integrate information within and across the perspectives discussed in the documents. Results showed that paragraph main idea summarization uniquely predicted multiple document comprehension when variance associated with reading comprehension skills and prior knowledge were controlled for. Moreover the relationship between main idea summarization and multiple document comprehension was partially mediated by participants’ behavioral engagement during the written comprehension assessment, which was operationalized as the extent of their written responses. Theoretical interpretations and practical implications of these findings are discussed.