Fluid reasoning and working memory among children with reading disorder: Processing speed as a mediator

The aim was to investigate the mediating role of processing speed in the relationship between working memory and fluid reasoning in children with a reading disorder (dyslexia).

A descriptive-correlational method was employed. A group of 300 students from inclusive schools in Mecca were selected by convenience sampling from among students who were diagnosed as having dyslexia. To collect data, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale and the Arabic Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale were used.

Working memory has a significant relationship with fluid reasoning. Results showed a significant relationship between working memory and fluid reasoning, but the mediating role of processing speed in the relationship between fluid reasoning and working memory in children with dyslexia was not confirmed.

The findings of the present study show that only 52% of the changes in the fluid reasoning variable are influenced by processing speed and working memory, and the mediating role of processing speed in the relationship between fluid reasoning and working memory in children with dyslexia was rejected.