Differences in brain information processing between print and computer screens

Abstract

This study tests 34 subjects to see if reading differs between print materials and the same information delivered via computer CRT (cathode ray tube) screen. It looks at both the early visual processing stream, or bottom-up attention, and later top-down processing after the brain has had time to respond to the information. Significant differences are found in both bottom-up and top-down measures, with print establishing attention better than CRT screen. Previous research indicates that a ‘flicker’ effect can affect brain processing and this may be the reason for the observed differences.