I was not aware of these research findings until now - but I'm really pleased to see that they confirm what I've known all along about the efficacy of 'plain texts'- and featured in the phonics programmes that I am associated with - see here:
http://phonicsinternational.com/forum/v ... =2488#2488
Research: The use of illustrations in learning to read
Research: The use of illustrations in learning to read
Debbie Hepplewhite