Word Reading Accuracy as a Mediator for Fluency

Abstract

This paper aims to test the predictive role of nonword reading abilities (accuracy and fluency) and rapid naming (RAN) over word reading fluency. Letter knowledge (LK) and phonological awareness (PA) for literacy were accounted for as control factors due to their ceiling effects. We test the direct impact of the main predictors and their indirect outcomes by controlling for word reading accuracy. To this end, 206 children participated and completed measures for nonword reading abilities, rapid naming, word reading accuracy, fluency, and letter knowledge, and phonological awareness. The results show that RAN and nonword reading accuracy are direct predictors of word reading accuracy. Word reading fluency is significantly associated with rapid naming. The effect of RAN, nonword reading accuracy, nonword reading fluency on word reading fluency is partially mediated by word reading accuracy. We discuss the practical implications.