The Comparative Impact of Digital and Print Storybook Reading on Preschool Children’s Comprehension and Vocabulary Learning: A Two-Decade Meta- Analysis

This meta-analysis examines 29 studies published over the past 20 years on the effects of digital versus print reading on young children's story comprehension and vocabulary learning. The results show that digital reading offers a slight advantage in story comprehension (g+ = 0.242) and a more significant benefit in vocabulary learning (g+ = 0.660) compared to print reading. Moderation analyses revealed that socioeconomic status and adult companion reading significantly moderated story comprehension but not vocabulary learning. Digital reading had a stronger positive effect on younger children, while children from low socioeconomic backgrounds showed less benefit from digital reading. Adult companion reading improved story comprehension in print reading, but had no effect on vocabulary learning. These findings highlight the potential of digital reading to support language development, with careful selection of materials and adult support being crucial.