Differences between Oral and Silent Reading

Background: This research study explores the relationship of eye movements in oral versus silent reading tasks. Research on eye movements is plentiful using different systems to analyze the precise movements involved during reading, however, research on the differences between movements during oral and silent reading is lacking. Methods: The eye movements of thirty-four third year students from the Michigan College of Optometry during a silent and oral reading task were measured using the Visagraph II system. Two different age appropriate passages of the same reading level were selected to compare the difference in eye movements in oral versus silent reading. The students were then asked to answer 10 questions to assess comprehension of the passage. Results: T-test comparison revealed statistically significant differences in eye movements between oral and silent reading. There were more fixations per 100 words, regressions per 100 words, and a higher average duration of fixation in oral reading compared to silent reading. The reading rate was also found to be faster in silent reading compared to oral reading. Conclusions: Silent reading emerged as the more efficient mode of reading compared to oral reading. Silent reading led to fewer fixations, and regressions as well as smaller duration of fixations and increased reading rates when compared to oral reading. These findings may lead to future research in understanding the effects of silent versus oral reading on comprehension.