This article reports the results of using a three-layer back propagation artificial neural network to predict item difficulty in a reading comprehension test. Three classes of variables were examined: text structure, propositional analysis, and cognitive demand. Results demonstrate that the networks can consistently predict item difficulty. (JL)

Test-taking strategies that examinees may use without reading the passages on which reading comprehension questions are based, similar to those of the new Scholastic Assessment Test, were studied with 350 high school juniors. Strategies most often used involved choosing answers based on consistency and reconstructing main themes from other…

Investigates the effectiveness of the story impression method--a prewriting activity that develops a schema for ideas found in the story. Suggests that students enjoy using the story clues to write a prestory. Finds that story impressions are a powerful tool for helping all readers (including remedial readers) improve their comprehension. Appends…

This evaluation study (with 45 middle school students with learning disabilities) found that students trained in summarization procedures performed significantly higher on all dependent measures of reading comprehension than those receiving traditional instruction. Also, on some measures, students also trained in self-monitoring outperformed those…

Describes 11 learning strategies, most of which are based on an information processing theory of learning, that can be used to develop study skills. Common elements include memory, comprehension, reading for understanding or meaning, and the incorporation of new knowledge into prior learning. (nine references) (LRW)

Reviews issues related to transfer and knowledge specificity as articulated in psychology, theory and research in composition and literary understanding that parallel the debate in psychology, three positions that have emerged in literary debates (cases for general knowledge, task-specific knowledge, and community-specific knowledge), and…

The emergence of cognitive approaches to instruction is traced, beginning with a historical analysis of the relationship between psychology and education, and continuing with an overview of learning as response acquisition, as knowledge acquisition, and as a knowledge construction. Examples of progress in cognition and instruction are provided.…

Epistemological beliefs and relationships between belief in simple knowledge and mathematical text comprehension were examined in 2 experiments involving 412 college students. Regression analyses indicate that the less students believe in simple knowledge the better their performance on a mastery test and the more accurate their assessment of…

Examines differences in language ability between normally achieving students and learning-disabled students with reading comprehension problems. Poor comprehending students differed from normal achievers for all language measures and in the manner that reader- and text-related variables predicted comprehension. Results supported the positive role…

This study comparing three theoretical orientations of educational failure found that predictors based on child deficit assumptions were least able to discriminate among low, average, and high teacher recommendations; those based on environment deficit assumptions were more able; and those based on ecological assumptions were most able. All…

Context-dependent item sets, containing a subset of test items related to a passage or stimulus, are discussed. A brief review of methods for developing item sets reveals their potential for measuring high-level thinking. Theories and technologies for scoring item sets remain largely experimental. Research needs are discussed. (SLD)

Investigates factors measured by several tests of reading comprehension. Four different factor analyses consistently resulted in Efficiency Level factor when there was one factor; when there were two factors, one was interpreted as Accuracy Level and the other as Rate Level factor. Finds that the most important factor involved is Efficiency Level,…

This study examined the sustained effects of methylphenidate on reading performance in 42 boys (ages 8 to 11) with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, either with or without conduct disorders. Only the subgroup of those with conduct disorders responded, and significant reading improvement was exhibited in only a subgroup of these students.…

Fifth- and sixth-grade students without disabilities and with mild learning disabilities and seventh- and eighth-grade students with more severe disabilities participated in an instructional program about the concept of themes in stories. The program improved comprehension of theme and identification of a specific theme that had been used in…

Compares the reliability and validity of the 10 subtests of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) obtained from 99 developmental college students with norming values obtained in an earlier study. Indicates that 9 out of 10 subtest reliability coefficients approached but did not equal the earlier study. (HB)