Individual Differences in Spelling Errors and Pseudoword Spelling

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Section 1a, Poster Session 1. Literacy: Literacy Processes and Practices (San Diego)

Abstract

Despite being an important aspect of written language processing, our understanding of the processes underlying spelling remains greatly limited. We hypothesized that differences in lexical and sublexical knowledge lead to predictable, individualized spelling patterns. First, the types of errors participants made when spelling low frequency irregular words was used to develop four Spelling Profiles. These profiles predicted individual differences in spelling ability. Second, we found unique variance in spelling ability explained by measures derived from pseudoword spelling. Our research indicates spellers differ in not only their lexical knowledge but also in how they apply sublexical knowledge to support spelling lesser-known words. We discuss implications of these results for dual route models of reading/spelling and potential applications to spelling interventions.

Authors

• Robert W Wiley, University of North Carolina Greensboro

• Kristin Marie Key, University of North Carolina - Greensboro