Parallel Semantic Processing in Early Reading Acquisition: Evidence From the Rapid Parallel Visual Presentation Paradigm
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This study investigates whether the "Parafoveal-on-Foveal" (PoF) and "Parafoveal Preview Effect" (PPE), effects observed in adults, also occur in children learning to read.These effects involve faster reading times and improved accuracy when semantic relatedness is present between foveal and parafoveal words.These semantic effects are explored in young readers through the administration of the Rapid Parallel Visual Presentation (RPVP).Forty-six children from 1 st to 5 th grade were divided into two groups based on the reading acquisition, defined based on literature.The group of beginner readers is composed of 12 children attending 1 st and 2 nd grade, while children attending from 3 rd to 5 th grade composed the group of experienced readers.Preliminary results show reduced reading times of the foveal word (PoF) and higher accuracy in reading the parafoveal word (PPE), suggesting that semantic parafoveal processing occurs already in the early stages of development.
Authors: Francesca Agostini, Valentina Bandiera, Silvia Primativo, Roberta Marrucchelli, Marialuisa Martelli
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410355183