A1 Journal article (refereed)
Reading Difficulties Identification : A Comparison of Neural Networks, Linear, and Mixture Models (2023)


Psyridou, M., Tolvanen, A., Patel, P., Khanolainen, D., Lerkkanen, M.-K., Poikkeus, A.-M., & Torppa, M. (2023). Reading Difficulties Identification : A Comparison of Neural Networks, Linear, and Mixture Models. Scientific Studies of Reading, 27(1), 39-66. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888438.2022.2095281


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Psyridou, Maria; Tolvanen, Asko; Patel, Priyanka; Khanolainen, Daria; Lerkkanen, Marja-Kristiina; Poikkeus, Anna-Maija; Torppa, Minna

Journal or series: Scientific Studies of Reading

ISSN: 1088-8438

eISSN: 1532-799X

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 18/07/2022

Volume: 27

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 39-66

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10888438.2022.2095281

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/82553


Abstract

Purpose
We aim to identify the most accurate model for predicting adolescent (Grade 9) reading difficulties (RD) in reading fluency and reading comprehension using 17 kindergarten-age variables. Three models (neural networks, linear, and mixture) were compared based on their accuracy in predicting RD. We also examined whether the same or a different set of kindergarten-age factors emerge as the strongest predictors of reading fluency and comprehension difficulties across the models.

Method
RD were identified in a Finnish sample (N ≈ 2,000) based on Grade 9 difficulties in reading fluency and reading comprehension. The predictors assessed in kindergarten included gender, parental factors (e.g., parental RD, education level), cognitive skills (e.g., phonological awareness, RAN), home literacy environment, and task-avoidant behavior.

Results
The results suggested that the neural networks model is the most accurate method, as compared to the linear and mixture models or their combination, for the early prediction of adolescent reading fluency and reading comprehension difficulties. The three models elicited rather similar results regarding the predictors, highlighting the importance of RAN, letter knowledge, vocabulary, reading words, number counting, gender, and maternal education.

Conclusion
The results suggest that neural networks have strong promise in the field of reading research for the early identification of RD.


Keywords: literacy; reading; reading comprehension; learning difficulties; reading disorders; recognition; predictability; models (objects); cognitive skills; neural networks (biology)


Contributing organizations


Related projects


Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 3


Last updated on 2024-02-07 at 23:45