Merging the Simple View of Reading with Rauding Theory

Abstract

The Simple View of reading was merged with rauding theory by advancing a revision, called Simple View II. The original Simple View, described by Hoover and Gough (1990), has several inconsistencies between theoretical concepts and how concepts are measured. These inconsistencies were illuminated and clarified by using constructs from rauding theory. The resulting Simple View II focuses on how individual differences in reading level (called rauding accuracy level, AL) are almost entirely a function of word recognition level (called pronunciation level, PL) and listening comprehension level (called auditory accuracy level, AudAL). An analysis of data collected from 61 students in Grades 3–5, indicated that all of the reliable variance in AL was probably accounted for by PL and AudAL, thus providing strong support for Simple View II. Furthermore, the reading level of students in GE units (e.g., Grade 5) could be predicted highly accurately by simply averaging (a) their level of word recognition in GE units (e.g., Grade 3) and (b) their level of language comprehension in GE units (e.g., Grade 7). When Simple View II is merged with rauding theory, the result is a theoretical framework which includes interrelationships among all of the important constructs involved in reading ability, for students in Grade 1 through college.