What Is the Role of Working Memory in Reading Relative to the Big Three Processing Variables (Orthography, Phonology, and Rapid Naming)?

Abstract

Zero-order correlation coefficients show significant relationships between orthography, phonology, rapid naming, visual and auditory memory, and reading and spelling for 143 second through sixth graders. Although coefficients ranged from .05 to .71, most were statistically significant (65 out of 78). In addition, multiple regression analyses show the power of shortterm memory to contribute to the prediction of reading decoding and reading fluency (p < .05) beyond the power of the “big three” cognitive processing variables (phonology, rapid naming, and orthography).