Self-Regulation and Link Selection Strategies in Hypertext

Abstract

This article explores the role of self-regulation in strategies that readers use to decide the order in which to read the different sections of a hypertext. This study explored 3 main strategies for link selection based on (a) link screen position, (b) link interest, and (c) the semantic relation of a link with the section just read. This study followed Winne's (1995, 2001) model of self-regulated learning to try to explain why some readers select hyperlinks based on strategies that lead to lower levels of comprehension (i.e., screen position and personal interest). Results from 2 studies revealed that readers with low prior knowledge base their decisions on what to read next on a default screen position or on link interest more often if they are instructed to set a low learning goal, if they regularly use shallow learning strategies (e.g., memorizing), or if they are poor at calibrating their comprehension. Readers' link selection strategies mediated the effect of the self-regulation variables studied on comprehension.