The Scanning Task is an exercise created to demonstrate perceptual effects on the ability of readers to recognize words. Three effects can be observed in the task: word-length effect, word-superiority effect, and word-frequency effect (see Understanding Scanning Task Results for more about these effects). These effects can be seen in a comparison of scanning times for words, non-words, and letter strings, of varying length and familiarity.
In the Scanning Task, three forms of text are presented:
Words: English words
Non-words: English words with the syllables reversed (e.g. destiny=ytindes)
Strings: English words with letters incremented to produce unintelligible text (e.g cat=dbu)
Users are asked to view a target word or letter pattern, then scan through a block of text to find it. Scanning times are recorded for each of the Exercise items, then averaged for the different forms of text.
Try the Scanning Task (Javascript must be enabled (new window))
Complete Exercise 1 in the Scanning task to observe the word-superiority effect. Complete both Exercises in the task to observe how word frequency and word length interact to affect scanning ability.
Note: You will be asked for a username and password before starting the task. If you have previously created your username/password pair for the Stencil Stacking Task, they will work here. If you have not already created your user information, click on the "Register" link on the login screen, and fill in the form.
Retrieving your Scanning Task Results
Remember your User ID number when you complete the task, so you can retrieve your resultshere at a later time.
Purpose/Objective:
The Scanning Task has been created as an exercise for learning about perceptual processes in reading.
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