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Does the mean adequately represent reading performance? Evidence from a cross-linguistic study.

ABSTRACT: Reading models are largely based on the interpretation of average data from normal or impaired readers, mainly drawn from English-speaking individuals. In the present study we evaluated the possible contribution of orthographic consistency in generating individual differences in reading behavior. We compared the reading performance of young adults speaking English (one of the most irregular orthographies) and Italian (a very regular orthography). In the 1st experiment we presented 22 English and 30 Italian readers with 5-letter words using the Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) paradigm. In a 2nd experiment, we evaluated a new group of 26 English and 32 Italian proficient readers through the RSVP procedure and lists matched in the two languages for both number of phonemes and letters. The results of the two experiments indicate that English participants read at a similar rate but with much greater individual differences than the Italian participants. In a 3rd experiment, we extended these results to a vocal reaction time (vRT) task, examining the effect of word frequency. An ex-Gaussian distribution analysis revealed differences between languages in the size of the exponential parameter (tau) and in the variance (sigma), but not the mean, of the Gaussian component. Notably, English readers were more variable for both tau and sigma than Italian readers. The pattern of performance in English individuals runs counter to models of performance in timed tasks (Faust et al., 1999; Myerson et al., 2003) which envisage a general relationship between mean performance and variability; indeed, this relationship does not hold in the case of the English participants. The present data highlight the importance of developing reading models that not only capture mean level performance, but also variability across individuals, especially in order to account for cross-linguistic differences in reading behavior.

SUBMITTER: Marinelli CV

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4137238 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Does the mean adequately represent reading performance? Evidence from a cross-linguistic study.

Marinelli Chiara V CV Horne Joanna K JK McGeown Sarah P SP Zoccolotti Pierluigi P Martelli Marialuisa M

Frontiers in psychology 20140819

Reading models are largely based on the interpretation of average data from normal or impaired readers, mainly drawn from English-speaking individuals. In the present study we evaluated the possible contribution of orthographic consistency in generating individual differences in reading behavior. We compared the reading performance of young adults speaking English (one of the most irregular orthographies) and Italian (a very regular orthography). In the 1st experiment we presented 22 English and ...[more]

PMID: 25191289

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Project description:Universal salt iodization is the most cost-effective, safe and sustainable strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. However, little is known about the availability of adequately iodized salt in the northwestern part of Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the availability of adequately iodized salt at the household level and associated factors in Dabat District, northwest Ethiopia.A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 21 to March 31, 2016. We included 705 households in the study. A stratified multistage followed by simple random sampling technique was employed to select households. The level of salt iodine content was determined using the rapid field test kit. Accordingly, the value of <15 parts per million (PPM) and ≥15 PPM with the corresponding color chart on the rapid test kit were used to classify the level of iodine content in the sampled salt. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with the availability of adequately iodized salt. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated to show the strength of association.This study indicated that about 33.2% [95% CI: 29.6, 36.7%] of households had adequately iodized salt. Urban residence (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.76), use of packed salt (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.89), and good respondents' knowledge on iodized salt use (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.08) were positively associated with the availability of adequately iodized salt. However, longer distance to buy salt was inversely related with availability of adequately iodized salt (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.99).The availability of iodized salt is well under the WHO recommendation in Dabat District in spite of the fact that Ethiopia has been implementing universal salt iodization since the last five years. Therefore, intensifying strategies targeting to enhance community awareness on the benefit and handling practice of iodized salt is essential to improve availability of iodized salt. In addition, the focus needs to be on improving accessibility of iodized salt.

Project description:BackgroundInformed consent (IC) is an essential step in helping patients be aware of consequences of their treatment decisions. With surgery, it is vitally important for patients to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and decide accordingly. We explored whether a written IC form was provided to patients; whether they read and signed it; whether they communicated orally with the physician; whether these communications influenced patient decisions.MethodsAdult postsurgical patients in nine general hospitals of Italy's Campania Region were interviewed via a structured questionnaire between the second and seventh day after the surgery at the end of the first surgical follow up visit. Physicians who were independent from the surgical team administered the questionnaire.ResultsThe written IC form was given to 84.5% of those interviewed. All recipients of the form signed it, either personally or through a delegate; however, 13.9% did not know/remember having done so; 51.8% said that they read it thoroughly. Of those who reported to have read it, 90.9% judged it to be clear. Of those receiving the written consent form, 52.0% had gotten it the day before the surgery at the earliest 41.1% received it some hours or immediately before the procedure. The written IC form was explained to 65.6% of the patients, and 93.9% of them received further oral information that deemed understandable. Most attention was given to the diagnosis and the type of surgical procedure, which was communicated respectively to 92.8 and 88.2% of the patients. Almost one in two patients believed that the information provided some emotional relief, while 23.2% experienced increased anxiety. Younger patients (age???60) and patients with higher levels of education were more likely to read the written IC form.ConclusionsThe written IC form is not sufficient in assuring patients and making them fully aware of choices they made for their health; pre-operative information that was delivered orally better served the patients' needs. To improve the quality of communication we suggest enhancing physicians' communication skills and for them to use structured conversation to ensure that individuals are completely informed before undergoing their procedures.

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Does the mean adequately represent reading performance? Evidence from a cross-linguistic study.

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Does the mean adequately represent reading performance? Evidence from a cross-linguistic study.

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