An Investigation into the Practical Applications of Psycholinguistic Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the practical applications of psycholinguistic theory. Meaning-emphasis programs are not widely used in schools and are difficult to quantify. A case study format was designed to examine the effectiveness of this approach through in-depth observation. Data was compiled in the form of anecdotal records and student notebooks. Diagnostic tests developed by Clay (1979b ) were also used as measures of growth. Materials and procedures were described in terms of their psycholinguistic focus. The student was successful in the program and used meaning as the preferred strategy for word attack. Writing and oral expressive language also improved during the course of this study. Research with larger populations is needed to validate the effectiveness of applications of psycholinguistics to the reading process.