Research in Brief: Shapes as Cues to Word Recognition

Authors

  • Patrick Groff

Abstract

The theory tha t "shape" provides a useful learning cue for a child's early recognition of a word has been maintained by various writers, but it has not been verified by research. An analysis of similar shapes for high-frequency words also argues against using shape as a cue for word recognition. The broader concept of word shape (or contours) is considered and deeper research suggested.

Author Biography

  • Patrick Groff
    Patrick Groff is professor in the School of Education, San Diego State University (San Diego, CA 92115). He has been an elementary school teacher, and his research has examined the reading, literature, and other language learnings of children. He has recent articles regarding children's perception of words in such periodicals as Elementary School journal, Journal of Reading Behavior, Reading Teacher, and Academic Therapy. Dr. Groff is co-author of A New Look at Children's Literature (Wadsworth, 1972); forthcoming is Phonics: Why and How (General Learning).

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Published

1975-01-01

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (1975): Volume 9.1

Section

Journal Article