Listen or Read -- But Not Both

Alastair linked to this article which discusses recent research investigating the effectiveness of Powerpoint-type presentations. The general gist is that the usual "read through the bullet points" presentation isn't effective because (researchers claim) the brain has difficulty processing identical information coming simultaneously from multiple sources (e.g., reading and hearing). This is all very fascinating, but I found this excerpt to be especially interesting:

[The research] also questions the wisdom of centuries-old habits, such as reading along with Bible passages, at the same time they are being read aloud in church. More of the passages would be understood and retained, the researchers suggest, if heard or read separately.

If accurate, this research has some direct implications for Christian worship.