Investigating the Factor Structure of Vocabulary Knowledge

• Other Authors: Spencer, Mercedes (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Psychology; Neurosciences
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-5197

The present study examined four kinds of vocabulary knowledge: Definitional knowledge, using vocabulary in context, relational knowledge, and morphological knowledge. A measure was developed that assessed all four kinds of vocabulary knowledge using the same 23 vocabulary words, which allowed within- and between-word variance to be modeled. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test three alternative models of vocabulary knowledge: (1) a four-factor model that specified four related yet distinct dimensions of vocabulary knowledge, (2) a two-factor model that considered vocabulary knowledge and morphological knowledge to be two separate but potentially related factors, and (3) a one-factor model in which vocabulary knowledge was unidimensional. These alternative models were examined by modeling both within- and between-word variance. When controlling for extraneous word-level variance, vocabulary knowledge was found to be a relatively unidimensional construct. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Summer Semester, 2012. === June 11, 2012. === Morphological Awareness, Morphological Knowledge, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Knowledge, Word Knowledge === Includes bibliographical references. === Richard K. Wagner, Professor Directing Thesis; Carol Connor, Committee Member; Michael Kaschak, Committee Member.