ERIC Number: EJ821854
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1041-6080
EISSN: N/A
Does Domain Experience Compensate for Working Memory Capacity in Second Language Reading Comprehension?
Payne, Tabitha W.; Kalibatseva, Zornitsa; Jungers, Melissa K.
Learning and Individual Differences, v19 n1 p119-123 2009
Reading comprehension in a second language (L2) is a complex task involving knowledge of vocabulary and grammar as well as controlled attention for continuous updating of information. The purpose was to examine the relative contributions of working memory capacity (WMC), first language (L1) comprehension, and domain experience on L2 reading comprehension in Spanish. Three hypotheses of the relationship between ability and experience were examined. The "knowledge is power" model predicts that with enough experience, WMC differences are eliminated. The "independent influences" model predicts that experience and ability separately influence L2 reading comprehension. Finally, the "rich get richer" model, predicts that high WMC individuals benefit more from experience. Results provide evidence for independent influences of experience and ability. (Contains 4 figures and 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Reading Comprehension, Second Languages, Short Term Memory, Vocabulary, Grammar, Spanish, Predictor Variables
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A