Qualitative Descriptions of Error Recovery Patterns Across Reading Level and Sentence Type: An Eye Movement Analysis

Abstract

Purposes of the present study included describing a variety of error recovery patterns based on eye movement (EM) measures of sentence parsing across reading level and error type. A qualitative pattern analysis of EM mappings was completed for students with reading disabilities (n = 10) and nondisabled students (n = 10) who were parsing control and erred sentences. Independent variables included error type (syntactically ambiguous, semantically anomalous, and control sentences) and reading proficiency level. Dependent variables consisted of seven eye movement measures. Chi-square analyses were performed to examine group differences across frequencies per pattern. Results suggest that the error recovery strategies deployed by both groups were similar in pattern and frequency; patterns were largely organized, strategic, and efficient, as predicted. Evidence for seven newly defined strategies was found, with indications of multiple strategies within sentences by both groups. Strategies tended to be error "reanalysis" (vs. "recovery") heuristics, in that readers from both groups used regressions to reanalyze regions of inconsistency rather than regions of disambiguation. Earlier conclusions regarding disorganized processing and individual differences among adolescents with reading disabilities are discussed.

Eye fixation patterns among dyslexic and normal readers: Effects of word length and word frequency.

“…There are two eye movement studies where poorer readers' reading strategies were compared with those of better readers. Fletcher (1991) studied the error recovery strategies among normal and reading disabled adolescents (14-15 years of age) using semantically anomalous and syntactically ambiguous sentences. As in the present study, he did not find any major differences in the nature of reading strategies adopted by the two groups.…”

An Eye-Movement Analysis of the Effects of Scotopic Sensitivity Correction on Parsing and Comprehension

“…All sentences were matched on 16 linguistic criteria (see Fletcher, 1991). Thirteen colored, transparent plastic overlays (supplied by Irlen) were used in the correction condition to reduce scotopic sensitivity symptoms.…”

“…Little reliability or validity information exists on either instrument, with the exception of Haag's (1984) reliability estimate for the IDPS. Subjects met other inclusionary criteria suggested by Vellutino (1979) for readers with dyslexia (see Fletcher, 1991). Color blindness was ruled out using the PseudoIsochromatic Plates for Color Blindness Screening (CBT) (1973).…”

“…Each subject was then shown 10 more paragraphs. Details regarding this standard eye-movement recording procedure can be found in Fletcher (1991). Readers unfamiliar with eye-movement indices of reading in general should refer to Rayner (1978).…”

Eye-Movement Rhythmicity and Reading Comprehension

“…This quotient yielded saccade duration and direction. Details regarding this standard procedure for recording eye movement can be found in Fletcher (1991). Presentation of the 20 sentences directly followed initial calibration.…”