Conceptual Priming Differences and Reading Ability

Authors: Larkin A.A.; Woltz D.J.; Reynolds R.E.; Clark E.

Source: Contemporary Educational Psychology, Volume 21, Number 3, July 1996 , pp. 279-303(25)

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Abstract:

Based on current theories of memory and reading ability, we hypothesized that children's reading ability would be correlated with two forms of memory priming that reflect implicit memory processes. One memory measure reflected direct (repetition) priming, and the other represented indirect or semantic priming. We contrasted these relationships to that between explicit memory (i.e., episodic recognition performance) and reading. In a sample of 60 sixth graders, the indirect (semantic) priming measure accounted for 26% of the variance in Stanford Achievement Test Reading scores, while the episodic recognition measure accounted for 20% of the variance. The two memory measures had a modest intercorrelation, and in combination they accounted for 35% of the reading variance. The direct (repetition) priming measure did not correlate significantly with SAT Reading. These findings have relevance to reading theories that emphasize the role of automatic spreading activation in language comprehension.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: University of Utah

Publication date: 1996-07-01