Changes in reading research proposition: some psychological aspects of reading 2.0

Abstract

The reading process as a paradigm for the intimate experience and individual cogitation of the content is changing, mostly because of technological and social innovations known as the Web 2.0. Emerging new quality in reading is described via Reading 2.0 concept. This concept is in turn contrasted with the concept of a Solitary reader that focuses on some aspects of the reading process as perceived in the past. In this context research proposal of some psychological aspects of Reading 2.0 is presented. Building on available research in text structure importance for cognitive processes during comprehension of scientific texts, the role of interactivity and collaboration in changing readers' misconceptions are proposed as important research areas. Various aspects of collaboration and interactivity are compared in regards to two different text structures in order to develop plausible scenarios for testing changes in readers' erroneous prior knowledge. Further research in this area is proposed and benefits that might arise from better understanding of discussed phenomena are described. Some conclusions on research directions and possibilities are presented. Possibilities for a librarian's role in the interpretive communities embracing interactivity and collaboration in reading are discussed in order to enhance research proposal and provide an input for the future of this profession.