- readers would be expected to remember more about title-relevant information than non-title-relevant information
- this effect is more prominent when the content is unclear or ambiguous

Selective Effects of thematic titles on memory

- there is no obvious influence of low thematic titles on free recall

Effects of low thematic titles on free recall

- thematic titles can be either a description of an event (e.g. history event) or of a procedure
- and can provide insights into the content

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- appear before the content
- distinguished from the text by having different typeface and placement
- often defines the major topic of the text 
- often its “scope” covers the entire text 

Characteristics of a Title

Lorch, R. F. (1989). Text-signaling devices and their effects on reading and memory processes. Educational psychology review, 1(3), 209-234.

Text-signaling devices and their effects on reading and memory processes

- indicating prerequisite knowledge in order to understand the content
- clarifying ambiguous meanings in text that is abstract or metaphorical
- suggesting familiar knowledge structures which could help readers better understand the text

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