What approach to reading does the Stanovich Model advocate?

The Stanovich Model advocates for a combination of top-down and bottom-up reading processes occurring in parallel, which reflects a balanced approach to reading that considers both the reader’s background knowledge and the printed text itself. This model emphasizes that reading comprehension involves a dynamic interplay between understanding language and utilizing context, allowing readers to construct meaning effectively.

In this approach, top-down processing relies on the reader’s prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations to interpret and make sense of the text. Conversely, bottom-up processing focuses on decoding the text at the level of sounds and letters, assembling the basic building blocks of language to derive meaning. By integrating both methods, the Stanovich Model supports a more holistic view of reading, acknowledging the complexities of how individuals make sense of written language.

This balanced interaction aligns with effective reading strategies, where both aspects reinforce each other, leading to improved fluency and comprehension. Other methods, such as exclusive top-down or bottom-up strategies, do not capture the comprehensive nature of reading that the Stanovich Model illustrates.