Time Limitations Enhance Reading Comprehension.

Few studies in the domain of reading have explored the relation between time limitations and reading comprehension. Time limitations may enhance reading comprehension by promoting mindfulness in students, a construct which involves exertion of more effort and motivation. This study explored the effects of time constraints on reading comprehension in adult readers. Mild time constraints should create greater mindfulness in readers, resulting in enhanced comprehension. College students read passages under no time pressure, under mild time pressure, or under severe time pressure. Reading comprehension was assessed in each condition. The best reading comprehension was observed under mild time pressure. Implications are discussed. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.