ERIC Number: EJ1055888
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Feb
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Toward an Understanding of Dimensions, Predictors, and the Gender Gap in Written Composition
Kim, Young-Suk; Al Otaiba, Stephanie; Wanzek, Jeanne; Gatlin, Brandy
Journal of Educational Psychology, v107 n1 p79-95 Feb 2015
We had 3 aims in the present study: (a) to examine the dimensionality of various evaluative approaches to scoring writing samples (e.g., quality, productivity, and curriculum-based measurement [CBM] writing scoring), (b) to investigate unique language and cognitive predictors of the identified dimensions, and (c) to examine gender gap in the identified dimensions of writing. These questions were addressed using data from 2nd-and 3rd-grade students (N = 494). Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel modeling. Results showed that writing quality, productivity, and CBM scoring were dissociable constructs but that writing quality and CBM scoring were highly related (r = 0.82). Language and cognitive predictors differed among the writing outcomes. Boys had lower writing scores than girls even after accounting for language, reading, attention, spelling, handwriting automaticity, and rapid automatized naming. Results are discussed in light of writing evaluation and a developmental model of writing.
Descriptors: Writing (Composition), Gender Differences, Curriculum Based Assessment, Scoring, Scores, Elementary School Students, Grade 2, Grade 3, Factor Analysis, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Writing Evaluation, Writing Skills, Writing Improvement, Predictor Variables, Productivity, Oral Language, Reading Skills, Spelling, Alphabets, Handwriting, Accuracy, Attention, Task Analysis, Writing Tests
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 2; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Oral and Written Language Scales; Wechsler Individual Achievement Test; Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement
Grant or Contract Numbers: P50HD052120