Coming Up Next: The Extent of the Perceptual Window in Comic Reading

TL;DR

This study explores how comic readers use information from upcoming panels to predict the story, finding that they rely on at least two panels ahead.

Contribution

The study introduces new evidence that comic readers use un-fixated panels for prediction, extending beyond current models.

Findings

Reading behavior is most disrupted when all peripheral panel information is removed.

Partial availability of upcoming panels still affects reading, suggesting reliance on peripheral information.

Findings suggest readers use information from at least two panels ahead in comic narratives.

Abstract

Recent models of sequential narratives suggest that readers form predictions about upcoming panels as they read. However, previous work has considered these predictions only in terms of currently viewed information. In the current studies, we investigate to what extent readers are using information from un‐fixated panels in comic stories. Using the moving‐window paradigm, we studied whether reading behavior was disrupted when upcoming panels were unavailable to the reader, in short comic strips (Experiment 1) and multipage comics (Experiment 2). Both studies showed the greatest disruption to reading when all peripheral information was removed, but such changes persisted when only partial peripheral information was available. The results indicate that readers are making use of information from at least two panels ahead of the current fixation location. We consider these findings in relation to the PINS model of comic reading, and how the role of peripheral information might be further explored.

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