Is the Role of Set for Variability in Word Reading Influenced by Conditions Leading to Partial Decoding?

Purpose Set for variability (SfV; the ability to disambiguate the mismatch between the decoded form of a word and its correct pronunciation) has been shown to predict regular and irregular word reading in children across both transparent and opaque orthographies. It has been theorized that SfV is a crucial part of the decoding process associated with orthographic learning. Consistent with this hypothesis, SfV may be more important when partial decoding occurs such as in irregular words or when children lack the decoding skills to fully decode a word. This study's purpose was to investigate whether SfV skill's influence on the prediction of word reading is impacted by a word's regularity and a child's decoding skill.