We compared the performance of dyslexic and typical readers on two perceptual tasks, the Vanderbilt Holistic Face Processing Task and the Holistic Word Processing Task. Both yield a metric of holistic processing that captures the extent to which participants automatically attend to information that is spatially nearby but irrelevant to the task at hand. Our results show, for the first time, that holistic processing of faces is comparable in dyslexic and typical readers but that dyslexic readers show greater holistic processing of words. Remarkably, we show that these metrics predict the performance of dyslexic readers on a standardized reading task, with more holistic processing in both tasks associated with higher accuracy and speed. In contrast, a more holistic style on the words task predicts less accurate reading of both words and pseudowords for typical readers. We discuss how these findings may guide our conceptualization of the visual deficit in dyslexia.

The study aimed to investigate information technology use, attitudes and acceptance before and after the introduction of technology-based work practices in a community-based educational initiative. A convenience sample of Home Visitors was recruited, and a composite survey was used to collect data on participant use, attitudes and acceptance of technology prior to and following the implementation of the new system. Correlations and paired sample T-tests were used to analyse data. A total of 21 Home Visitors completed the survey at baseline and again at one academic year follow-up. Several factors were identified as potentially important in relation to Home Visitor use of technology which included aspects of both attitude (anxiety dependence) and acceptance (needs satisfaction, support availability and use intention). Paired-sample T-tests revealed little change in participant use of technology, which was high from the outset. Anxiety dependence, a component of attitude, was significantly greater at follow-up in comparison with baseline levels. No significant differences were observed in pre-post self-reported acceptance of technology. These findings serve as a guide for community-based organisations considering a move toward technology-mediated work practices.

No abstract