Multi-window displays for readers of lengthy texts

Abstract

Two experiments explore whether it would help readers re-locate information in an “electronic book” if different windows on the screen were used to display specific sections of the text. Experiment 1, using a within-subject design, showed that reading and question answering were faster with a single window than with a multi-window display. Experiment 2, in which procedural skills were developed before starting the experiment, and a between-subject design was used, showed that this advantage for the single window display would not generally be the case. The multi-window display was a significant help to readers relocating information once they were familiar with the procedures for manipulating the text. The studies suggest ways in which the display of lengthy electronic texts may be improved. They also illustrate the ease with which misleading results can be obtained in studies of human-computer interaction, and emphasize the need for establishing adequate levels of procedural skill before exploring display characteristics.