Efficiency in Word Reading of Adults: Ability Group Comparisons

Whereas the fundamental relation of phonological skills to early reading acquisition has been firmly established, research on the relation of speed/rate to the acquisition of decoding and reading fluency are works in progress. This study addresses the question of the role of general speed/rate of processing in reading impairment in adults. Ninety-five adults varying in word-recognition ability were divided into subgroups, and their scores on basic speed, decoding, and comprehension component skill tasks were compared. Results showed significant and pervasive speed/rate differences among groups, as well as differences in accuracy of performance. The results are interpreted in terms of theories of speed of processing as a basic capacity and of complexity-capacity interactions.