Background Internet documents are characterised by their non‐linear hyperlink structure, which allows for more flexible reading, at the cost of higher cognitive loads. Linear text reading comprehension skills contribute to hypertext comprehension (either directly or through its impact on navigation behaviours) but cannot fully account for its complexity. There is also evidence that hypertext reading engages executive functions, but few studies have addressed the core executive function processes simultaneously. This study examined hypertext comprehension and navigation skills and their association with linear text reading comprehension and executive functions in adolescents. Methods One hundred thirty‐six third‐year students (61% boys; age: M = 14.03, SD = 0.44 years) participated in the study. Students were assessed with a paper‐and‐pencil expository text comprehension test, a computerised neuropsychological battery to measure executive functioning (perceptual and response inhibition, shifting and working memory [WM]) and a hypertext comprehension task. Results We found direct contributions of shifting, linear text comprehension and navigation efficiency to hypertext comprehension. Linear text comprehension was associated with shifting, while navigation efficiency increased with WM and linear text comprehension skills. In addition, navigation partially mediated the effects of linear text comprehension and fully mediated those of WM on hypertext comprehension. Conclusions We found direct and indirect contributions of executive function to hypertext comprehension, mediated by linear text comprehension and navigation efficiency. This suggests that finding and integrating information from hypertexts engages shifting beyond its contribution to linear text reading. The role of WM was explained by its contribution to navigation efficiency (providing a workspace to keep track of navigation paths, reading goals and inferential processing). These findings underline the relevance of high‐level cognitive abilities for Internet reading in adolescents, as well as the importance of teaching boosting navigation strategies in middle school, given their impact on hypertext comprehension.

Ángel Javier Tabullo

Gastón Ignacio Saux

María Rufina Pearson

Journal of Research in Reading

Journal of Research in Reading provides an international forum for researchers into literacy. It is a refereed journal, principally devoted to reports of empirical studies in reading and related fields, and to informed reviews of relevant literature. The journal welcomes papers researching issues related to the learning, teaching and use of literacy in a variety of contexts; papers on the history and development of literacy; papers about policy and strategy for literacy as related to children and adults. Journal of Research in Reading encourages papers within any research paradigm and from researchers in any relevant field such as anthropology, cultural studies, education, history of education, language and linguistics, philosophy, psychology and sociology.

The Journal of Research in Reading provides an international forum for researchers in literacy. It is a peer-reviewed journal primarily dedicated to reports of empirical studies in reading and related fields, as well as informed reviews of relevant literature. The journal welcomes papers that explore issues related to the learning, teaching, and use of literacy in various contexts; papers on the history and development of literacy; and papers concerning policies and strategies for literacy as they relate to children and adults. The Journal of Research in Reading encourages submissions from any research paradigm and from researchers in relevant fields such as anthropology, cultural studies, education, history of education, language and linguistics, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.

《Journal of Research in Reading》是一个国际性论坛，专注于识字研究。该期刊经过同行评审，主要致力于阅读及相关领域的实证研究报告，以及相关文献的深入评审。期刊欢迎研究与识字学习、教学和使用相关的各种问题的论文；关于识字历史和发展的论文；以及与儿童和成人相关的识字政策和战略的论文。《Journal of Research in Reading》鼓励来自任何研究范式的论文，欢迎来自人类学、文化研究、教育、教育史、语言与语言学、哲学、心理学和社会学等相关领域的研究者投稿。

Category	Quartile
教育学	2
教育学, 教育学和教育研究	3
教育学, 心理学教育	3

The role of executive functions in adolescents' hypertext comprehension

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL	3