Validation of the Multisyllabic Decoding Inventory in Grades 4 and 5

• In Event: Measuring Reading and Writing Development

Abstract

This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Multisyllabic Decoding Inventory (MDI). The MDI consists of seven subtests with real words and nonwords of different syllable types. The MDI was administered to 188 fourth- and 135 fifth-grade students who attended an urban charter school in a Northeastern state. Internal consistency reliability ranged from .58 to .83 for real words and from .63 to .82 for nonwords. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provide evidence for the construct validity of the seven-factor model. Correlations between the MDI and standardized measures were moderate to strong, ranging from .31 to .69, providing evidence of criterion validity. The results of this study support the teaching of syllabic analysis of multisyllabic words in grades 4-5.

Authors

• John Z. Strong, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Laura S. Tortorelli, Michigan State University

• Amy K. Edlefson, Michigan State University

• Blythe E. Anderson, University at Buffalo - SUNY