ERIC Number: EJ1307873
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Aug
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: EISSN-1939-2176
Available Date: N/A
U.S. Children's Understanding of the English Alphabet: Its Acquisition, Conceptualization, and Measurement
Journal of Educational Psychology, v113 n6 p1073-1087 Aug 2021
Construct confusion and measurement challenges have plagued emergent literacy research for decades. Using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, this study evaluated the dimensionality of alphabet knowledge and identified the sequence of development of 8 alphabet knowledge skills. Eleven models were evaluated in a sample of 3,692 preschool- and elementary school-age children. Findings supported a unidimensional conceptualization of alphabet knowledge that includes letter name knowledge and letter sound knowledge but not the ability to discriminate letters from nonalphabetic characters. Test information curves and significance tests of model constraints revealed reliable main and interaction effects of test format, capitalization, and component skills on items' discriminations and difficulties. Implications for improving the measurement of alphabet knowledge are discussed in recognition that doing so will support advancement of theory, research, educational practice, and ultimately student achievement.
Descriptors: Preschool Children, Elementary School Students, Alphabets, English, Emergent Literacy, Item Response Theory, Phonological Awareness, Surveys, Vocabulary, Test Format
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED); Department of Education (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas; Florida
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Woodcock Munoz Language Survey; Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A110549; S368A130004
Author Affiliations: N/A