An investigation of lookbacks during studying∗

Looking back at relevant sections of previously read text is proposed as a useful fixup strategy when comprehension fails while studying text. Subjects read 24 pages of text and answered inserted questions which assessed their comprehension of the text frequently. About half of the subjects were branched back to reread prerequisite information when it was later needed but not fully understood by the subjects. Subjects receiving lookbacks showed better comprehension of later information dependent upon the prerequisite information. In the light of these results the training of natural lookbacks during study holds promise as a means of improving students’ study behaviors.