Information Mapping: Effects of text features and reader characteristics on performance and appreciation

In a previous study, no effects were found applying Information Mapping® (IMAP) to a relatively short text. In three new experiments, we investigated whether text length and the presence or absence of typical IMAP format features would influence possible IMAP effects, and if there would be any interaction effects of the application of the IMAP method and reader characteristics. It turned out that when presented with a relatively long text, readers worked more effectively and efficiently with an IMAP version. Adding typical IMAP format features to an otherwise unaltered conventional text did not produce greater effectiveness but did result in greater efficiency and higher appreciation. No interaction effects were found of the respondents’ linguistic background and the application of the IMAP method.