Motivational variables and children's text search

This experiment investigated the effects of choice and response format on c hildren's search of informational text. We compared the information-seeking performance of 42 Grade 3 children who were given a choice of books with 4 2 children who were not given a choice. Half of the children in the choice and no-choice conditions were instructed to record their answers on a theme board, and half were instructed to write their answers on a work sheet. Ch ildren were randomly assigned to the following conditions: (a) choice-theme board, (b) choice-work sheet, (c) no-choice-theme board, and (d) no-choice -work sheet, Prior knowledge and topic interest were included as covariates . Choice of topic facilitated both performance and process measures, wherea s response format affected process measures only. Prior knowledge emerged a s a significant contributor to accuracy and time to locate information. Chi ldren's text search was affected by choice and context.