Speed Reading Eye Movement Control Flashcards

In eye-tracking studies, skilled readers differ from unskilled readers mainly by having:

Answer: Fewer, shorter fixations and fewer regressions

Eye-tracking shows skilled readers fixate less often, more briefly, and regress far less than unskilled readers.

What is 'saccadic suppression' in the context of reading?

Answer: The brain's blocking of blurred visual input while the eyes move

Saccadic suppression is the brain's temporary shutdown of visual processing during saccades to avoid perceiving motion blur.

A reader uses a card to cover lines immediately after reading them, sliding it down the page. What eye habit does this primarily combat?

Answer: Regressing to re-read previous text

Covering already-read lines makes backward glances impossible, breaking the regression habit.

Which statement about peripheral vision in reading is accurate?

Answer: It previews upcoming word shapes and lengths to guide the next saccade

Parafoveal and peripheral vision detect upcoming word length and shape, helping the brain plan efficient saccade targets.

During a timed drill, a reader's comprehension collapses when pacing at triple their normal speed. What is the recommended response?

Answer: Drop to a slightly lower but still challenging pace and rebuild comprehension

Effective training pushes speed to the edge of comprehension, then consolidates at a pace slightly above the old baseline.

Why is expanding the visual span more productive than simply making saccades faster?

Answer: Saccade duration is largely fixed by physiology, while span per fixation can grow with training

The mechanics of saccades are biologically constrained, so gains come mainly from taking in more text per fixation.

'Meta guiding' in speed reading refers to:

Answer: Using a visual guide like a finger or pointer to direct eye movement along text

Meta guiding is the classic technique of tracing a pointer along text so the eyes follow a smooth, controlled path.