Hypotheses about the processes involved in word recognition are reviewed and assessed through four experiments. Overall results were compatible with criterion bias models. A version of this model attributes the advantage of words (over pseudowords and nonwords) to interfacilitation among single letter and lexical units in memory. (Author/RD)

The effects of stimulus duration and contrast on duration of visible persistence as a function of spatial frequency were investigated in normal and specific-reading-disabled children. Results suggest that disabled readers have different contrast processing at low and high spatial frequencies and indicate differences between readers in basic visual…

McClelland and O'Regan's interpretation of data may not be appropriate. One could argue that subjects used different strategies in the expectation and no-expectation conditions. Second, an inappropriate baseline condition may have been used. Finally their results may not be generalizable to the use of parafoveal vision during reading. (Author/RD)

The Posner-Snyder two-process theory of expectancy explains results of studies on the effect of sentence context on ongoing word recognition. Three studies tested the applicability of the theory to the performance of fluent adult readers. Difficult words displayed larger context effects than did easy words. (Author/RD)

Raises problem of affective acceptance by teachers and student teachers of psycholinguistic formulations appearing to run counter to intuitive notions of the reading process. Presents three psycholinguistic formulations operationalized via several modified reading experiences. Demonstrates use by the reader of multiple information sources and…

Illustrates and compares skills and process orientations for reading instruction. Tips for teachers of reading are provided. (RH)

Reading ability is a combination of four major skills (word identification, vocabulary, comprehension, study skills), internal influences (experiences, interests, language and cognitive abilities, health goals), and external influences (material complexity, reading environment). Teachers can enhance their students' reading capability by…

Goodman critiques a previous article in this journal (see EJ 217 652) that discussed a 1965 research study he conducted; he argues that the other article reflects confused thinking, and he suggests why the findings and implications of his research study have gained wide acceptance. (GT)

Examines Piagetian theory in relation to (1) the organizational framework of the reader, (2) the linkage of development and reading, (3) the interrelatedness of language processes, and (4) the twin influences of maturation and experience. Notes the value of Piagetian theory in building reading models and examines two "hurdles" it…

The author considers the dominant paradigm in reading comprehension research inadequate, because the skills measured by comprehension tests are unlikely to represent the full range of typical reading behaviors. He describes a preliminary study using an alternative, qualitative interview methodology to analyze the reading difficulties of eight…

Presents reasons for the current upsurge in interest in oral reading errors, including theoretical shifts in how the process of learning to read is to be viewed and evaluated. Stresses the difference between descriptive and linguistic error analysis and develops leads that have emerged from studies using linguistic error analysis. (Author/FL)

Notes that readers do not depend solely on the visual aspects of reading, but also make use of nonvisual understanding in decoding print. Among the nonvisual components of reading discussed are desiring knowledge, understanding the nature and purpose of reading, reading for meaning, and predicting an author's message. (MKM)

Twelve first-grade children were tested on word-reading and automaticity of letter and word processing. Word-reading speed increased steadily during the year. Apparently, their ability to process letters automatically was acquired prior to the ability to read words rapidly and accurately. (Author/CP)

Analyzes the process of reading philosophical works. Considers reflective reading a performative act in which the genuine reader enters into a dialogue, questions, recollects, and rereads. (PD)

Asserting that the mind of the creative reader operates precisely like the mind of the creative writer, the author examines theories of the psychology of poetic composition, in order to draw implications for the teaching of literature. (SJL)