Original article
The effect of coloured paper and lighting on the rate of reading in an adult student population
Authors:
Katy Naylor ,
Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London, ECV1 2PD, GB
About Katy
BMedSci (Hons)
Alison Y. Firth
Academic Unit of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, GB
About Alison Y.
MSc DBO(T)
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect of natural (1200 lux) and artificial lighting (450 lux) on the rate of reading from white and pink paper.
Methods: Twenty university students were tested using the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test (WRRT), reading text printed on both white and pink paper, in naturally and artificially lit conditions. The illumination levels were 1200 lux in the naturally lit room and 450 lux in the artificially lit room. The WRRT result was scored as mean number of words correctly read in 1 minute (wpm). Statistical data were analysed with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: Rate of reading was significantly quicker (p < 0.01) when reading text printed on pink paper than when reading text printed on white paper. The mean increase was 5.17 wpm. The rate of reading was also significantly faster (p < 0.01) under the artificial (450 lux) lighting condition than the natural (1200 lux) lighting condition. The mean increase was 4.62 wpm.
Conclusion: Reading from pink paper and reading under lighting conditions with an illumination level of 450 lux enhanced reading speeds.
How to Cite:
Naylor, K. and Firth, A.Y., 2008. The effect of coloured paper and lighting on the rate of reading in an adult student population. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 5, pp.54–57. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22599/bioj.231
Published on
01 Jan 2008.
Peer Reviewed
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