Modes of processing influencing errors in reading comprehension.
Date
2010-11-12
Authors
Rogers, Shawn Catherine
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Abstract
Learner’s processing styles may play a vital role in their approach to learning,
more specifically; the ability to make inferences plays an important role in all
areas of language and learning and may contribute to difficulties learners are
experiencing at school. It is therefore that the research was directed at
investigating a possible relationship between the left hemispheric analytical and
right hemispheric holistic processing styles and the types of errors inferential
versus literal, made in reading comprehension tasks. The hemispheric
processing styles were operationalised as the approach taken to the Rey-
Osterreith Complex Figure (ROCF) and the types of errors made on the Stanford
Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) across two levels of educational development.
The sample consisted of grade 4 and grade 10 model C learners from the same
schooling district. The data obtained from both assessments were subjected to
correlation analyses, chi squared tests, analyses of variances (ANOVAs) and
logistic regressions. Finally the results and associative conclusions indicated that
there were only modest positive relationships between the predominant
hemispheric processing styles and the error types on reading comprehension
tasks and the demographics of the learners were the main contributors and
accounted for the results discovered in the study as opposed to general
hemispheric processing. Thus there is a need to understand the unique
dynamics within the country and to explore alternatives to teaching practices to
account for the variations evident in the classrooms.
Description
Keywords
Hemispheric processing styles, Reading comprehension, Literal, Inferential, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF), Stanford Diagnsotic Reading Test (SDRT), Language, Ethnicity