In two experiments, a short-term recognition memory task that varied the number of letters distinguishing target and comparison stimuli was used to assess the ability of prereaders and beginning readers to utilize graphic information in a three-letter graphic pattern. (HOD)

Investigates the theory that readers might mediate the recognition of an unfamiliar word by comparing and contrasting that word to known words by studying a population of fourth- and fifth-grade readers who could correctly pronounce common one- and two-syllabe words but not common polysyllabic words. (HOD)

Examines "primacy of speech perception" hypothesis. Finds covariation between reading and numeration for 94 fourth graders explained by phonetic, syntactic, and semantic cueing strategies as mediated by school-dependent basic language skills. Elasticities analysis demonstrates reading and numeration were not responsive to children's…

Results of a study in which first graders learned ten unfamiliar function words in two different formats indicated that sentence readers learned more about the syntactic and semantic identities of function words, whereas list readers remembered their orthographic identities better and could pronounce the words faster and more accurately in…

The cognitive patterns of 58 "retarded" and 38 below-average readers were compared with controls, according to Luria's simultaneous and successive modes of information processing. Factor Analysis showed different cognitive patterns for disabled and nondisabled readers. Reading skills, rather than cognitive ability, were shown to be…

In the bottom-up model of the reading process, the reader's first task is to decode the symbols into sound representations. By contrast, the top-down model assumes that the reader begins by guessing about the meaning of some unit of print. Each model suggests different instructional practices. (Author/SJL)

An investigation was conducted to identify and compare the reasoning strategies used by above-average and average readers in reading comprehension. Findings indicated that both groups used various types of reasoning strategies in comprehension, but that there were significant quantitative differences between the groups in application and success…

Reviews research done in the 1970s on the graphic, morphological, syntactic, textual, and semantic levels in foreign language reading and compares it with first language learning research. Speculates on future developments that may result in more efficient teaching programs and test devices in foreign language reading. (FL)

Ss were presented with the task of naming lower case letters "b,""d,""p," and "q" in 30-second and untimed trials, respectively. The results, in general, showed that reversal errors decreased abruptly when incentives were introduced and, in some instances, did not increase when incentives were removed. (Author/DLS)

Explores two approaches to discourse structure and comprehension. Illustrates that prior knowledge is ued in conjunction with cues to construct the macrostructure of the story. Provides evidence that text comprehension is based on the presentation of the propositions of the story. (PMJ)

Explores children's ability to segment utterances into syllables and phonemes, and their skills in the recall of sentences of low and high complexity. (HOD)

Reports on a study of 60 undergraduates which investigated correlations between style variations (inversion, ornamentation, condensation, poor distribution, and deliberate misleadingness) and such psychological factors as reading ease, mental organization, and recall. (DD)

This study confirmed that young Spanish-speaking readers use contextual clues when they read in Spanish. (HOD)

Contends that middle school pupils need a specially designed curriculum with its objectives, learning opportunities, and appraisal procedures and that learners need ample time to interact with others in purposeful and motivational experiences. (PA)

Investigated whether Frederiksen and others (1985) multiletter recognition program improved speed, accuracy, and recognition of multiletter units. Found increased perceptual coding skills for 9- and 10-year olds in the training group compared to those in the control group. Results suggest that future research should focus on generalization of…