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Unraveling the Relation Between Reading Comprehension and Print Exposure
Florina Erbeli1, Elsje van Bergen2, Sara A Hart3
1Texas A&M University.
Child Development
|November 17, 2019
Summary
Reading comprehension influences print exposure, not the other way around. This relationship is shaped by both genetic and environmental factors in young readers.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the bidirectional relationship between reading comprehension and print exposure is crucial for educational interventions.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the directionality of this influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the directionality of influence between reading comprehension (RC) and print exposure (PE).
- To estimate the genetic and environmental contributions to the relationship between RC and PE.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a twin design with 910 twins (grades 4-9) from the Florida Twin Project.
- Employed direction-of-causation modeling to analyze the reciprocal influences between RC and PE.
Main Results:
- Results indicated a significant direction of influence from reading comprehension to print exposure.
- Both genetic and environmental factors underlying reading comprehension and print exposure were found to be significant.
Conclusions:
- Reading comprehension skills appear to drive an individual's engagement with print, subsequently increasing print exposure.
- Findings have implications for designing effective reading education strategies that foster both comprehension and a love for reading.
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