Exploring the Reasons Why University Students Prefer Print over Digital Texts: An Australian Perspective

Figures & data

Figure 1. Age.

Figure 2. Year levels.

Figure 3. Remembering information when reading in print.

Figure 4. Focusing on material better in print.

Table 1. shows the top explanations given for preferring print reading by the 395 print-preferring participants.

Explanation	Responses
Print texts afford easy highlighting, notetaking, bookmarking and saving	117
Print texts are accessible	86
Print texts support comprehension, memory and learning	78
Print texts are more ergonomic	51
Print texts afford a tactile experience	10

Figure 5. Preference to read assigned readings electronically.

Figure 6. Printing out course readings.

Figure 7. Gender.

Figure 8. Academic field.

Table 2. shows the top explanations given for preferring e-reading by the 76 e-preferring participants.

Explanation	Responses
E-texts are accessible and always available	25
E-texts are cheaper	16
E-texts are portable	15
E-texts are environmentally friendly	15
E-texts are searchable and easy to duplicate	15