AN EXPLORATION OF COMPREHENSION AND RAPID READING IS PRESENTED. THE QUALITY OF READING IS DISCUSSED FROM THE STANDPOINT OF EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS. RESEARCH FINDINGS WHICH INDICATE THE LOW COMPREHENSION RESULTING FROM "DYNAMIC" READING, THAT IS, READING DOWN THE CENTER OF THE PAGE WITH NO LEFT-TO-RIGHT EYE MOVEMENTS, ARE CITED.…

A preliminary study is reported which attempted to define gifted rapid readers, authenticate the performances of three subjects who were designated as gifted rapid readers, and explore the relationship of a subject's ability to perceive print eidetically and to read and/or skim. Volunteer subjects were a 15-year-old girl from the Philippines, a…

An integral dimension in the concept of flexible efficient reading is the process of skimming, which is defined as the reading behavior in which information is processed without looking at all or most of the words in continuous printed discourse. Measurement of flexible reading efficiency presents problems which revolve around four major issues.…

After analyzing 40 speed reading texts, a study concluded that in order for these books to accurately reflect the empirical reading research they should recognize the upper limits of genuine reading (300 to 600 wpm) and limit the recommended area of eye fixation to three or fewer words. (SRT)

Describes the results of a preliminary investigation of skapa, a simple, three-step procedure for analyzing cognitive aspects of skimming and speed reading. (Author)

Examines selected research showing how the components of human information processing limit reading rates. Suggests that speed reading is impossible when the intent is to understand the message communicated by the text. Discusses limiting factors in processes of word recognition, working memory, and comprehension. Discusses evaluative and…

A study was conducted to evaluate reading strategies by contrasting regression results of 10 fast versus 10 slow readers. At the word level the lag effect was evaluated. At the text level, the few-argument strategy versus the many-argument strategy and the physical and the syntactic strategies were evaluated. The absolute proportion of the lag…

This is the final report on a research project that measured the effect of reading rate on accuracy and the efficiency of reading comprehension. At the outset of the project, existing research data were integrated into a comprehensive account called a "rauding theory," which interrelates reading ability, passage difficulty, reading time,…

A variety of techniques for improving readers' analysis-by-synthesis abilities (rapid, efficient reading typical of highly skilled readers) are presented in this paper. The techniques discussed in the first part emphasize improving reading comprehension and include the following: (1) modifications of the cloze procedure (encouraging readers to use…

Compressed speech (speed listening), in which audiotapes are speeded up, is examined in this paper along with its relationship to the reading process. Among the topics discussed first are the close relationship between reading and listening, the rationale behind compressed speech, and the use of compressed speech in business communication, special…

An additive model is developed to account for reading times for two different reading tasks: reading for retention and reading for comprehension. The model is concerned with the reading strategies of adults and fifth graders, and with individual differences between fast and slow readers. (Author/LMO)

Intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students, this book summarizes and puts into a coherent framework the research on reading processes conducted by cognitive psychologists since the early 1970s. The book focuses on the process of reading: how information is extracted from the printed page and comprehended. Part 1 provides…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 28 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the usefulness of peer-shared reading information in primary-grade reading groups; (2) development and evaluation of a sustained silent reading program in…