Accuracy, Miscues, and the Comprehension of Complex Literary and Scientific Texts

This research explores the impact of accuracy and meaning maintaining miscues on the comprehension of complex texts. The issue is explored through fourth graders' readings and retellings. Two types of reading behaviors are examined: (a) portions of text read with no miscues, and (b) portions of text read with meaning-maintaining miscues. Findings indicate that readers were significantly more likely to comprehend information that was read with meaning-maintaining miscues than when read with no miscues. Researchers and educators need to understand the deeper meanings behind certain types of miscue and their supportive role in the comprehension process.