Effects of Accelerated Reading Rate on Memory for Text

Based on the finding that increasing stimulus presentation rate can increase short-term memory (STM) span, reading rate was accelerated in a series of experiments that demonstrated substantial gains in reading accuracy and comprehension. The present investigation tested the hypothesis that comprehension gains in fast-paced reading are attributable primarily to changes in STM functioning. A series of standard STM-sensitive tasks were administered in both self-paced and fast-paced reading conditions. The magnitude and relative specificity of effects evident in fastpaced reading confirmed the hypothesis. Several alternative hypotheses were rejected. These findings provide strong support for a causal role for STM function in text processing.