This study tests the effect of minimal contrast among word forms commonly found in initial reading instruction, using audio-equipped computer terminals to provide study tasks and a retention test. No significant differences occurred between minimal and maximum contrast conditions, suggesting that the variable is weak or depends on the development of a strategy.
References
1.
AtkinsonR. C.FletcherJ. D.Teacher's manual: The Stanford project in initial reading. Stanford: Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences, 1970.
2.
BloomfieldL.BarnhartC.Let's read: A linguistic approach. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1961.
3.
ChallJ. S.Learning to read: The great debate. San Francisco: McGraw-Hill, 1967.
4.
FriesC. C.Linguistics and reading. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1963.
5.
GatesA.A reading vocabulary for the primary grades. New York: Teachers College Bureau of Publications, 1935.
6.
HartleyR. N.Effects of list types and cues on the learning of word lists. Reading Research Quarterly, Fall, 1970, 6(1), 97–121.
7.
HartleyR. N.An investigation of list types and cues to facilitate initial reading vocabulary acquisition. Technical Report No. 132, Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences, Stanford University, 1968.
8.
NobleC. E.Meaningfulness and familiarity. In CoferC. N.MusgradeB. S. (Eds.) Verbal behavior and learning: Problems and processesNew York: McGraw-Hill, 1963. pp. 76–119.
9.
UnderwoodB. J.SchultzR. W.Meaningfulness and verbal learning. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1960.