The Landscape Model

This computational approach to the complexity of text comprehension is useful for describing the cognitive processes involved.

• The computational approach
• Examples of the model
• Applications in research
• Download information
• Contact information

The computational approach

The complexity of text comprehension suggests that a computational approach is useful for describing the cognitive processes involved, along with their necessary interactions. The computational implementation of the Landscape Model of reading was designed to meet that need. This model captures both on-line comprehension processes during reading and the off-line memory representation after reading is completed, incorporating both memory-based and coherence-based mechanisms of comprehension. Several studies comparing computational and behavioural data indicate that the implemented model is able to account for cycle-by-cycle comprehension processes and memory for a variety of text types and reading situations.  

Examples of the model

For a detailed description of the model’s architecture, basic settings, and applications we recommend the following papers:

• Tzeng, Y., van den Broek, P., Kendeou, P., & Lee, C. (2005). The computational implementation of the Landscape Model: Modeling inferential processes and memory representations of text comprehension. Behavioral Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 37, 277-286.
• van den Broek, P., Young, M., Tzeng, Y., & Linderholm, T. (1999). The landscape model of reading. In H. van Oostendorp & S. R. Goldman (Eds.), The construction of mental representations during reading (pp. 71-98). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. 
• Linderholm, T., Virtue, S., Tzeng, Y., & van den Broek, P. (2004). Flunctuations in the availability of information during reading: Capturing cognitive processes using the Landscape Model. Discourse Processes, 37, 165-186. 
• van den Broek, P., Rapp, D. N., & Kendeou, P. (2005). Integrating memory-based and constructionist approaches in accounts of reading comprehension. Discourse Processes, 39, 299-316.

Applications in research

• Blanc, N., Kendeou, P., van den Broek, P., & Brouillet, D. (2008). Updating situation models: Empirical data and simulations. 103-121
  
• van den Broek, P., & Kendeou, P. (2008). Cognitive processes in comprehension of science texts: The role of co-activation in confronting misconceptions. 335-351
  
• Tzeng, Y. (2007). Memory for narrative texts: How do parts of the Landscape Model work. 245-269

Download information

If you would like to download the computational implementation of the Landscape Model, please follow these steps:

1. Download the software package.
2. Download the user's manual.
3. Complete the copyright contract and send it to Dr. Paul van den Broek (see contact information).
4. You will receive the password to unpack the software.

Contact information

Prof. Paul W. van den Broek
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Room 4A47
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 3391
E-mail: broekpwvanden@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

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