Just the font types? Effects of serif vs. sans-serif font types on text comprehension in screen vs. paper reading

The impact of screen versus paper reading on text comprehension, cognitive load, and reading time has been investigated in prior research with mixed results. One relevant factor is the use of different fonts (sans-serif vs. serif). Building on prior assumptions about optimal font–medium combinations, this study explicitly tested whether such matching effects can be empirically observed. This study examined the effects of Verdana (sans-serif) and Times New Roman (serif) when reading on screen or on paper. We used an experimental design with N = 132 adults to analyse text comprehension, cognitive load, and reading time, and tested whether cognitive load mediates the relation between reading format/font type and comprehension. Results showed that comprehension was higher and cognitive load lower when reading on a screen. No interaction between reading format and font type was found, challenging the assumption of format-specific typographic optimisation. Mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of reading format on comprehension through cognitive load. These findings suggest that reading medium and associated processing demands play a more decisive role than font type, and point to reader familiarity as a potential explanatory factor. Findings are discussed in light of prior research and implications for digitalisation trends.