Can Reading Ability Be Measured with Tests of Memory and Processing Speed?

The author investigated the possibility of estimating reading ability using tests of memory and processing speed that have significantly reduced reading requirements. Four hundred three air force trainees were given tests of their working memory and long-term memory processes, as well as a standardi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of general psychology 1992-04, Vol.119 (2), p.141-160
Main Author: Tirre, William C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aptitude
Aptitude Tests
Biological and medical sciences
Concept Formation
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Language
Male
Memory
Mental Recall
Military Personnel - psychology
Psychology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Psychometrics
Reaction Time
Reading
Vocabulary
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Summary:The author investigated the possibility of estimating reading ability using tests of memory and processing speed that have significantly reduced reading requirements. Four hundred three air force trainees were given tests of their working memory and long-term memory processes, as well as a standardized reading test. A multiple correlation of .79 indicated that global reading ability is substantially correlated with memory processes. Additional analyses indicated that word knowledge and comprehension, the two major components of reading ability, were both explained by the same set of memory process factors, namely, long-term memory processes, semantic memory retrieval speed, and working memory capacity. These results, which are consistent with the view that memory ability underlies reading ability, support the endeavor of measuring reading ability with memory and processing speed tasks.
ISSN:0022-1309
1940-0888
DOI:10.1080/00221309.1992.9921168