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Multiple Representations and Individual Differences in Generating Mental Models: The Case of Text Comprehension

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Generative Mental Processes and Cognitive Resources

Abstract

With regard to the multiple representation approach to text comprehension, a neglect of individual differences in research on the construction of mental models is noted. Effects of this neglect on theory development in text comprehension research are exemplified by analyzing the failed attempts to replicate so so-called crossover effect (Mani & Johnson-Laird, 1982). The crossover effect is often cited as evidence for the dissociability of text representations and model representations in the process of text comprehension. This chapter presents a series of studies investigating effects of three variables on the crossover of text and model representation: (a) determinateness of the description, (b) schematicity of the described situation, and (c) individual differences in readers’ visuospatial abilities. These studies demonstrated that the crossover effect can be replicated if individual differences in cognitive abilities necessary to construct spatial mental models are taken into account.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Free University Berlin, Germany

    Stephan Dutke

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  1. Stephan Dutke
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Correspondence to Stephan Dutke .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Potsdam, Germany

    Ulrich von Hecker

  2. University of Kaiserslautern, Germany

    Stephan Dutke

  3. Warsaw School of Advanced Social Psychology, Poland

    Grzegorz Sedek

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Dutke, S. (2000). Multiple Representations and Individual Differences in Generating Mental Models: The Case of Text Comprehension. In: von Hecker, U., Dutke, S., Sedek, G. (eds) Generative Mental Processes and Cognitive Resources. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4373-8_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4373-8_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5880-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-4373-8

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