Gitte Balling

My previous research has concentrated on in the individual reading experience in relation to deep reading of longer fictional texts (novels) and the way readers articulate why they read, what they gain from reading, what they feel during reading and so on. My work is theoretical based in reception theory, aesthetics and sociology of literature. I use mostly qualitative methods as a way to study reading as readers experience it. In my current study, I interview young adults (13-14 years old) on their experience with reading on tablets (iPad). I am interested to study to what extend they experience the reading process different when it comes to e.g. the immersion in the story, the level of transportation, and the identification with characters. Further, I am interested in how/if haptic and tactic interaction with paper and screen influence the reading experience. Thus, my contribution in relation to the model is in line of the phenomenological dimension.

I have no experience with experimental research but is very interested in cooperation with researchers across disciplines and methods as a mean to develop new knowledge.
I am part of a Nordic research network regarding child culture research, and to the extent it is of relevance, I can connect to child culture researchers in The Nordic countries.
I have done research in literacy promotion and can contribute with knowledge about and contact to end users e.g libraries in the Nordic countries. Further, I have done research on cultural policy and the Danish book marked and can facilitate contact, communication and dissemination with/to relevant players.