Speech speed in audiovisual resources in the learning process of university students: a scoping review.
Kelly da Silva, Pablo Jordão Alcantra Cruz, Nayara Farias Costa Santos and 4 others
PMID 41637262WHAT IT FOUND
Evidence on video playback speed for university students is mixed.
Five studies found learning improved up to 2x speed, five found no difference, and two found worsening. Speeds above 2x generally reduced comprehension, while 1.25x to 1.5x appeared optimal for most.
Key findings
01Five studies observed improved learning performance at speeds up to 2x, five observed no difference, and two observed worsening of learning skills.
02Playback speeds greater than 2x consistently compromised the ability to retain information and reduce comprehension.
03Moderate acceleration (1.25x to 1.5x) was associated with better learning outcomes and comprehension compared to normal or higher speeds.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The review excluded studies involving elderly students, individuals with neurodivergence, and those with hearing loss, limiting generalisability to clinical populations. There was significant heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures, preventing meta-analysis. Many included studies used isolated words or simple tasks rather than complex academic content. The review did not account for the impact of accent or tonal languages on comprehension at different speeds. Sample sizes in the primary studies were often small.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was registered on the Open Science Framework.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that moderate speed increases are safe for all students. The review excluded individuals with neurodivergence, hearing loss, and elderly students, and the evidence for optimal speeds is mixed. Speeds above 2x were consistently linked to poorer comprehension.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →