New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What does Kenneth Goodman's Socio-Psycholinguistic Theory highlight about reading?

1. Reading is solely about phonetics

2. Reading does not involve language

3. Reading involves the interaction between thinking and language

4. Reading is mainly visual

The correct answer is: Reading involves the interaction between thinking and language

Kenneth Goodman's Socio-Psycholinguistic Theory emphasizes that reading is fundamentally an interactive process between cognitive functions and language structures. This approach suggests that readers actively engage in making sense of texts by drawing upon their personal experiences, knowledge, and the contextual clues provided by the language itself. In this perspective, reading is not just about decoding words or recognizing letters; it involves constructing meaning and involves the reader’s thinking processes. Goodman's theory posits that readers use their understanding of language, along with their cognitive skills, to interpret and comprehend written material. Thus, this theory highlights the integral relationship between language, thought, and the reading process, showcasing that understanding text involves more than visual recognition—it requires a thoughtful engagement with the language being read.