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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
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An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing
Published on: October 25, 2019
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Effects of Individual Differences and Situational Features on Age Differences in Mindless Reading
Matthew C Shake1, Leah J Shulley2, Angelica M Soto-Freita2
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. matthew.shake@wku.edu.
Summary
Older adults experience fewer mindless reading episodes, especially when texts are interesting. Age and text interest, not cognitive ability, predict reduced mind-wandering during reading.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Reading Comprehension
Background:
- Mindless reading, characterized by attention shifting away from text, is a common reading phenomenon.
- Previous research suggests age-related declines in mindless reading episodes, but the underlying causes remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether situational text features (genre, interest) or individual cognitive differences explain age-related declines in mindless reading.
- To identify key predictors of mind-wandering during reading across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Participants read two texts of varying genres on the same topic.
- Readers were periodically prompted to report on-task or mind-wandering states.
- Text interest, perceived difficulty, and cognitive abilities were assessed.
Main Results:
- Text genre showed a minor influence on age differences in mindless reading.
- Increased age and higher perceived text interest were independently associated with less mindless reading.
- Cognitive abilities did not significantly predict mindless reading beyond age and interest.
Conclusions:
- Age differences in lapses of attention during reading are influenced by text interest, not solely by cognitive decline.
- Perceived interest in reading material is a crucial factor in maintaining focus and reducing mind-wandering across the lifespan.
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