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Hwang H, Choi S, Guha M, McMaster K, Harsch R, Kendeou P. Indirect and direct contributions of executive functions to reading comprehension. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 243:105925. [PMID: 38608513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In the current study, we investigated the role of executive functions in explaining how word recognition and language comprehension jointly predict reading comprehension in multilingual and monolingual students (Grades 1 and 2). Specifically, mediation and moderation models were tested and compared to offer a more nuanced understanding of the role of executive functions in reading comprehension. The results provided support for the mediation model in which executive functions indirectly contribute to reading comprehension via word recognition and language comprehension in both language groups. In addition, executive functions directly predicted reading comprehension (i.e., partial mediation). These findings suggest that executive functions serve as general cognitive processes that support word recognition, language comprehension, and reading comprehension (i.e., direct contribution) as well as facilitate connecting word recognition and language comprehension in support for reading comprehension (i.e., indirect contribution). These findings are consistent with prominent models of reading comprehension.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyeJin Hwang
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Seohyeon Choi
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Manjary Guha
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kristen McMaster
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Rina Harsch
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Panayiota Kendeou
- Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Wolf M, Gotlieb RJM, Kim SA, Pedroza V, Rhinehart LV, Tempini MLG, Sears S. Towards a dynamic, comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia. ANNALS OF DYSLEXIA 2024:10.1007/s11881-023-00297-1. [PMID: 38217783 DOI: 10.1007/s11881-023-00297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Here we build from the central strength of the existing definition of dyslexia-its emphasis on neurobiological origins-and proffer a set of seven core principles for a new, more comprehensive conceptualization of dyslexia. These principles derive from two major research directions: (1) the still evolving history of attempts to explain dyslexia, including in varied writing systems; and (2) the study of the reading brain circuit, its development, and its genetic and environmental influences. What emerges from connecting these two directions is a dynamic conceptualization of dyslexia that incorporates the extensive research on the heterogeneity of dyslexia and the interdependent contributions of multiple biological and socio-cultural risk and preventive factors. A new definition of dyslexia, therefore, needs to transcend both past unitary characterizations and past assumptions based largely on the English orthography. Such a conceptualization references the ways that different languages interact with the reading brain circuit to produce different sources of reading failure. Similarly, the characteristics and consequences of dyslexia that have been considered as secondary sequela (e.g., reduced reading comprehension, social-emotional issues) should be part of a more comprehensive narrative. Of critical importance, any definition of dyslexia should clarify persisting misconceptions that associate dyslexia with a lack of intelligence, potential to learn, or talents. Thus, the overall purpose of such a definition should serve as an instrument of knowledge and an enduring reason for pursuing growth in reading for the individual, the educator, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryanne Wolf
- Department of Education, University of California, Moore Hall 2123, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA.
| | - Rebecca J M Gotlieb
- Department of Education, University of California, Moore Hall 2123, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA
| | - Sohyun An Kim
- Department of Education, University of California, Moore Hall 2123, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA
| | - Veronica Pedroza
- Department of Education, University of California, Moore Hall 2123, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA
| | - Laura V Rhinehart
- Department of Education, University of California, Moore Hall 2123, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA
| | | | - Sue Sears
- Michael D. Eisner College of Education, California State University, Northridge, USA
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