The Ability to Read

This paper is a research proposal providing an extensive review of literature about the ability to read and describing a research methodology to evaluate the predictor effects of short-term memory and language ability.

This paper explains in detail the process of reading and the many factors that can contribute to problems in learning to read. The paper details evaluating the predictor effects of short-term memory and language ability by testing children of low socioeconomic status between the ages of three and four years on reading skills. The author points out that, if the relationship of short-term memory and language ability is predictive, this knowledge might be helpful to the clinician in deciding which children to refer to intervention programs.

Table of Contents
The Meaning of Reading
Proper Reading Development
Decompose Reading
Alphabetic Principle
Passage Comprehension
Normal Reading Ability in Children Ages 6-10
Early Development to Promote Reading
Language and Reading Ability
Dyslexia, a Common, Worldwide Phenomenon
Hyperlexia
Receptive and Expressive Language
Short Term Memory and Reading Ability
Dyslexia and Memory Correlated
Types of Attention
Short-term Memory and Environmental Factors
Purpose of the Study
Rationale
“Genetic factors also play an important role in future reading and learning disabilities. Though the specific genetic influences such as identification of a phonological awareness gene have yet to be identified, certain lingual characteristics are inherited. Bishop studied a cohort of children from 86 families. The children presented with language impairments. The hereditary problems could be identified through a test of non-word repetition. Such a hereditary relationship was not found among respondents among respondents from the general population. The study concluded, that non-word repetition, inherited or not, is indicative of potential reading and learning disabilities.”