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Effects of intraword and interword spacing on eye movements during reading: Exploring the optimal use of space in a line of text.

Slattery, T. and Rayner, K., 2013. Effects of intraword and interword spacing on eye movements during reading: Exploring the optimal use of space in a line of text. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 75, 1275 - 1292 .

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DOI: 10.3758/s13414-013-0463-8.

Abstract

Two eye movement experiments investigated intra-word spacing (the space between letters within words) and inter-word spacing (the space between words) to explore the influence these variables have on eye movement control during reading. Both variables are important factors in determining the optimal use of space in a line of text, and fonts differ widely in how they employ these spaces. Prior research suggests that the proximity of flanking letters influences the identification of a central letter via lateral inhibition or crowding. If so decrements in intra-word spacing may produce inhibition in word processing. Still other research suggests that increases in intra-word spacing can disrupt the integrity of word units. In English, inter-word spacing has a large influence on word segmentation and is important for saccade target selection. The results indicate interplay between intra and inter word spacing which influence a font’s readability. Additionally, these studies highlight the importance of word segmentation processes and have implications for the nature of lexical processing (serial vs. parallel).

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1943-3921
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:22640
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:13 Oct 2015 10:10
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:53

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