Testing an Information Mapping® text: Does the method live up to the expectations?

A study into the effect the Information Mapping® method compared three text versions. Each version was tested by approximately twenty subjects working for a Dutch company. The study involved a text that had been used in that company for several years, an Information Mapping® version of the same text and a version rewritten by an experienced writer, who did not work with the Information Mapping® method. With regard to effectiveness and efficiency, the results of the various versions did not differ significantly. The judgements that the subjects made were statistically different in one respect: the Information Mapping® text was rated significantly higher than the text rewritten by the experienced writer. However, the subjects did not rate the Information Mapping® text significantly higher than the original text. Subject variables such as age and years of service at the company had no significant effect on the results. All things considered, this study fails to substantiate the claim that the IMAP method results in texts that lead to improved reader performance