Construction-integration model

Definition

The construction-integration model is a theoretical framework used to understand how individuals comprehend language by constructing meaning from text and integrating it with prior knowledge. This model emphasizes the dual processes of constructing a mental representation of the information presented and integrating that representation with existing knowledge, making it crucial for both natural language understanding and discourse processing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The construction phase involves interpreting individual sentences or phrases to create an initial understanding of the text, while the integration phase combines this new information with what the reader already knows.
2. This model highlights the importance of background knowledge, as readers' previous experiences shape how they understand new information.
3. The construction-integration model posits that effective comprehension requires not only constructing meaning but also revising it as new information becomes available.
4. Research using this model has shown that readers are more likely to remember information that is well-integrated with their existing knowledge structures.
5. The model helps explain common reading difficulties, where a lack of background knowledge can lead to misunderstandings or incomplete mental representations.

Review Questions

• How does the construction-integration model illustrate the process of language comprehension?
  • The construction-integration model illustrates language comprehension as a two-step process. First, individuals construct a mental representation of the text based on its content and structure, creating an initial understanding. Next, they integrate this representation with their prior knowledge, allowing them to form a coherent understanding of the information. This interplay between constructing new meaning and integrating it with existing knowledge is crucial for effective comprehension.
• Discuss how background knowledge influences the construction-integration model during discourse processing.
  • Background knowledge plays a significant role in the construction-integration model during discourse processing by shaping how individuals interpret and integrate new information. When readers encounter new texts, they rely on their existing schemas and mental models to make sense of the content. If their background knowledge aligns well with the material being read, they can construct accurate mental representations and integrate them effectively, leading to better comprehension. Conversely, gaps in background knowledge can hinder this process and result in misunderstandings.
• Evaluate the implications of the construction-integration model for understanding reading difficulties in learners.
  • The construction-integration model has significant implications for understanding reading difficulties in learners. It suggests that challenges in comprehension may arise from issues in either constructing accurate mental representations or integrating new information with existing knowledge. For students who struggle with reading, interventions can be designed to enhance their background knowledge or improve their ability to construct and integrate meanings effectively. By addressing these specific areas, educators can help learners develop stronger reading skills and improve overall comprehension.

Related terms

Mental Models: Cognitive representations of situations or events that help individuals understand and reason about the world, often used in the context of language comprehension.

Schema: A cognitive structure that represents knowledge about a concept or type of object, allowing individuals to organize and interpret information efficiently.

Inference: The process of drawing logical conclusions based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements in the text, which is essential for understanding implied meanings.