ERIC Number: EJ1301775
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Aug
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0141-0423
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of Syntactic Knowledge on Reading Comprehension Varies as a Function of Oral Vocabulary in Spanish-Speaking Children
Rodríguez-Ortiz, Isabel R.; Moreno-Pérez, Francisco J.; Simpson, Ian C.; Valdés-Coronel, Marta; Saldaña, David
Journal of Research in Reading, v44 n3 p695-714 Aug 2021
Background: Reading comprehension is a complex process influenced by many factors. However, the abilities that are known to influence reading comprehension may not contribute equally for children with different levels of oral language. Aims: Here we examined the relationship of two factors known to influence reading comprehension (morphology and syntax) in a group of children who varied in their levels of oral vocabulary. Method: Two hundred seventy-three typically developing Spanish-speaking fourth graders were assessed on non-verbal intelligence, word and pseudoword reading, oral vocabulary, morphological awareness and syntax, along with reading comprehension ability. Standardised oral language scores within this group ranged from the first to the 99th percentile. Mediated multiple regression with moderation was used to assess (1) whether the influence of oral vocabulary on reading comprehension was mediated by decoding, morphology or syntax and (2) whether the effects of syntax on reading comprehension varied as a function of oral vocabulary levels. Results: There was a direct positive relationship between vocabulary and reading comprehension, and this was mediated by word reading and syntax, but not by pseudoword reading or morphology. Furthermore, the relation between syntax and reading comprehension was moderated by oral vocabulary such that the strength of this relationship diminished as oral vocabulary levels increased. Conclusions: These findings suggest that longitudinal research is necessary to explore the possibility that a syntax intervention might be beneficial for readers with low oral vocabulary.
Descriptors: Syntax, Oral Language, Vocabulary Development, Reading Comprehension, Spanish Speaking, Standardized Tests, Morphology (Languages), Correlation, Grade 4, Elementary School Students, Metalinguistics, Decoding (Reading), Nonverbal Ability, Language Tests, Scores, Intervention, Teaching Methods, Reading Instruction
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A