Prolonged reading tasks in visual research

Abstract

Two experiments are reported on the relationship of speed of perception in reading varying type faces to the length of the reading period. "Reading periods of 10 minutes or more produced a significant retardation in reading italic in comparison with roman print… . Retardation in speed of reading all-capital material in comparison with roman print was large and approximately the same irrespective of the length of the reading period within the limits of 4 to 16 minutes… . Measuring speed of perception in reading is a relatively sensitive technique for use in typographical studies when prolonged periods of reading are employed." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)