Reflecting on Information Mapping/spl reg/: does the method live up to the expectations?

Two empirical studies into the effects of applying the Information Mapping method (IMAP) were carried out. The first study (65 subjects) compared an existing text with information about a chemical process intended for operators working at a Dutch plant, both with an IMAP version of that text and with a third version, rewritten by an experienced writer not familiar with IMAP. The second study (76 subjects) compared two similar Dutch texts containing instructions for operating a specific machine with IMAP-versions of these texts. Half of the subjects were of Dutch descent, the other subjects were immigrants. In both studies hardly any statistically significant effects were found. The first study showed no effects at all of text format on reader performance (correctness nor speed). Only with regard to overall reader judgment the IMAP version scored higher than one of the alternatives did, suggesting that at best readers may think that an IMAP text is superior to a more traditional text. In the second study only the origin of the subjects and their educational level proved to affect their performance. The results give no reason to believe that IMAP is specifically helpful to readers facing extra difficulties because of a difference between their mother tongue and the language used in the text.