Device Preference and Its Influence on Online Reading Strategies and Reading Struggles: A Quantitative Study Among Malaysian Undergraduates

Abstract

This quantitative study investigates the influence of device preference whether students prefer physical reading materials or online materials on their online academic reading experiences. Drawing on responses from 123 undergraduate students at a Malaysian public university, the study examines differences in reading struggles and the use of global, problem-solving, and support reading strategies across preference groups. Findings reveal that students preferring physical materials reported higher reading struggles and a heavier reliance on support strategies, while students preferring online materials demonstrated greater use of global and problem-solving strategies. Significant weak positive correlations were found between reading struggles and strategy use, differing by reading preference. The results highlight the critical role of material preference in shaping digital reading behaviours, suggesting targeted instructional interventions for different reader profiles.