Print-Based Texts or Digitized Versions: An Attitudinal Investigation Among Senior High School Students

Abstract

Attitude is a factor noted to be a determinant of practice and behavior; thus, has become a topic of interest for many scholars. This present study investigated the attitude toward print-based and electronic-based reading of 562 senior high school students (mean age = 17.71, standard deviation = 0.0889) sampled across 10 schools (4 of which are privately managed). The study employed a descriptive-quantitative-correlational design in determining the attitude of the respondents across reading versions, significant difference in attitude of the respondents toward print-based and digital reading, statistical difference in the attitude across the dichotomous variable gender, and the relationships between attitudes. Moreover, data gathering was realized through the use of a survey tool pilot tested (with reliability of Cronbach’s alpha = 0.811). The analysis of the data revealed that the respondents harbor an attitude characterized as ‘somehow negative’ towards both versions of reading. In addition, there is a significant difference in the respondents’ attitude toward print and e-reading. Moreover, gender differences exist in the attitude toward print reading with females exhibiting better attitudes. Last, there is a significant correlation between the respondents’ attitude toward print and electronic reading.