The Effect on Spelling Ability of Exposure to the Printed Word

Abstract

The effect on spelling ability of exposure to print This study explores the contribution of print exposure to spelling achievement. The hypothesis that exposure to print accounts for individual differences in spelling ability was tested on 129 Year 7 female students from a predominantly non-English-speaking background. A multiple regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between spelling and the predictor variables - exposure to print (TRT), phonological processing, comprehension level and general ability. The results indicated that phonological processing ability accounted for individual differences in spelling performance regardless of general ability. However, this specific student cohort appear to reflect stages in spelling development associated with word knowledge and reading experience. The analysis also indicated that other factors not addressed in this study are implicated.