Who Developed the Simple View of Reading?
The Simple View of Reading was developed by Gough and Tunmer. This model proposes that reading comprehension involves two essential components: decoding and language comprehension.
The Simple View of Reading, developed by Gough and Tunmer, has significantly influenced the understanding of reading comprehension. This model proposes that the ability to comprehend a text depends on two essential components: decoding, which involves translating written symbols into speech, and language comprehension, which encompasses understanding the meaning of the spoken language.
By emphasizing the importance of these two components, the Simple View of Reading has provided valuable insights into the cognitive processes involved in reading. As a result, it has become a foundational framework for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to enhance literacy instruction and support literacy development in diverse populations.

Credit: www.waterford.org
History Of Reading Theories
Early Theories
In the early days, understanding how reading worked was a mystery. Ancient theories focused on decoding and language comprehension. The Greek philosopher Plato, for example, believed that reading was a process of recollection and recognition of learned knowledge.
Emergence Of The Simple View Of Reading
Fast forward to the 1980s, the Simple View of Reading (SVR) was established. This model emphasized two central components: decoding and language comprehension. Decoding, the ability to convert written words into speech, and language comprehension, the understanding of words and their meanings, are regarded as fundamental for reading.
Dr. Gough And Prof. Tunmer
Dr. Gough and Prof. Tunmer are renowned scholars who collaborated to develop the Simple View of Reading. Their research and expertise have significantly contributed to our understanding of the complex process of reading.
Background And Expertise
Dr. Gough is a respected psychologist known for his profound insights into reading and language development. His extensive experience in cognitive psychology and linguistics has provided the foundation for understanding the components of reading comprehension. Prof. Tunmer, on the other hand, is a distinguished educational psychologist with expertise in literacy development and intervention. Together, their combined knowledge and experience have been instrumental in shaping the Simple View of Reading.
Collaboration On The Simple View Of Reading
Dr. Gough and Prof. Tunmer’s collaboration on the Simple View of Reading stemmed from their shared passion for unraveling the complexities of literacy. Their joint efforts resulted in a groundbreaking framework that delineates how decoding and language comprehension are central to reading comprehension. This model has significantly influenced educational practices and interventions, serving as a guiding light for educators and researchers around the world.
Understanding The Simple View Of Reading
The Simple View of Reading is a widely accepted and influential model developed to better understand the process of reading. It was first proposed by Gough and Tunmer in 1986 and has since provided valuable insights for researchers, educators, and practitioners alike. This model breaks down reading into two key components: decoding and comprehension. By understanding how these components interact, we can gain valuable insights into the reading process and help improve reading instruction.
Components Of The Simple View
The Simple View of Reading identifies two fundamental components that contribute to the overall reading ability of an individual: decoding and comprehension. Let’s take a closer look at each component:
- Decoding: This refers to the ability to translate written words into spoken words. It involves the recognition and sound blending of individual letters, syllables, and words. Fluent readers possess strong decoding skills, allowing them to effortlessly recognize and pronounce words.
- Comprehension: Comprehension, on the other hand, involves the understanding and interpretation of written text. It encompasses various skills, such as the ability to extract meaning from words, infer information, and make connections between different parts of the text. Skilled readers not only decode words accurately but also comprehend the meaning behind them.
Relationship Between Decoding And Comprehension
The Simple View of Reading emphasizes the interdependence between decoding and comprehension. While each component is crucial, they rely on each other to achieve successful reading outcomes.
Decoding acts as a foundation for comprehension. Without accurate decoding skills, readers may struggle to recognize words and understand the text’s meaning. Similarly, comprehension is dependent on effective decoding. Readers who struggle with decoding may face challenges in understanding the text, even if they have a strong background knowledge in the topic.
It is important to note that while decoding and comprehension are presented as separate components in the Simple View of Reading, they are intrinsically linked. Proficient readers effortlessly integrate both components to achieve a seamless reading experience.

Credit: twitter.com
Implications And Impact
The Simple View of Reading was developed by Gough and Tunmer, and it has significant implications and impact on understanding the reading process. This model separates decoding from comprehension, shedding light on the factors that contribute to reading ability.
Impact On Reading Instruction
The Simple View of Reading, developed by Gough and Tunmer in 1986, has had a significant impact on reading instruction. This model has transformed the way educators approach teaching reading and has brought about several positive implications. Firstly, the Simple View of Reading has provided a framework that guides teachers to develop comprehensive reading instruction. By emphasizing the importance of both decoding and language comprehension skills, it acknowledges the multifaceted nature of reading. This has led to a more balanced approach in teaching, ensuring that students receive instruction in both foundational skills and higher-level comprehension strategies. Furthermore, this model has highlighted the crucial role of phonics in reading development. Phonics instruction, which focuses on teaching the relationship between sounds and written letters, is now recognized as a fundamental component of reading instruction. The Simple View of Reading has helped educators understand the significance of phonics and its impact on students’ decoding abilities. In addition, the Simple View of Reading has facilitated the identification and support of struggling readers. By recognizing that reading difficulties can stem from either decoding or comprehension deficits, teachers are better equipped to assess individual students’ needs and tailor interventions accordingly. This targeted approach has resulted in more successful interventions and improved outcomes for struggling readers. Lastly, the Simple View of Reading has fostered a shift towards evidence-based practices in reading instruction. By grounding instruction in research-backed methods, educators can effectively support students’ reading development. This emphasis on evidence-based instruction has contributed to greater consistency and coherence in reading programs across schools and districts.Criticism And Controversies
Despite its many benefits, the Simple View of Reading has not been without criticism and controversies. While the model acknowledges the importance of both decoding and comprehension, some argue that it oversimplifies the complex nature of reading. Critics argue that reading is a much more intricate process that cannot be solely explained by the interaction between these two factors. Another point of contention revolves around the emphasis on phonics instruction. While phonics is crucial for decoding, critics argue that an overreliance on phonics might neglect other important aspects of reading, such as vocabulary development and reading fluency. Additionally, there are concerns that the Simple View of Reading may not adequately address the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and linguistic abilities. Critics argue that the model’s emphasis on a single set of skills and abilities may overlook the unique challenges faced by English language learners and students with learning disabilities. It’s important to recognize that these criticisms and controversies do not dismiss the value of the Simple View of Reading entirely. Rather, they highlight the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of reading and the individual needs of students. Overall, the Simple View of Reading has had a significant impact on reading instruction, providing educators with a framework for comprehensive teaching, emphasizing the importance of phonics, facilitating targeted interventions, and promoting evidence-based practices. While criticisms and controversies exist, they serve as reminders to continually strive for a more holistic and inclusive approach to reading instruction.Current Research And Future Directions
The simple view of reading framework, first proposed by Gough and Tunmer in 1986, has served as a foundational model for understanding reading comprehension. However, ongoing research and advancements in the field have prompted scholars to explore potential modifications to this theory, aiming to further enhance our understanding of the reading process and address its complexities. In this section, we will discuss the recent advancements in reading science and the potential modifications that could be made to the simple view of reading.
Advancements In Reading Science
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of the cognitive processes involved in reading. Researchers have utilized advanced technologies, such as neuroimaging techniques and eye-tracking devices, to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying reading comprehension. Through these studies, insights into the neural networks and eye movement patterns associated with skilled reading have been gained.
Moreover, advancements in linguistic and psycholinguistic research have allowed us to examine the role of various factors, such as vocabulary knowledge and background knowledge, in reading comprehension. Researchers have also explored the impact of contextual factors, such as culture and socio-economic status, on reading development and performance.
These advancements in reading science have provided us with a more comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of reading comprehension, thereby challenging some aspects of the original simple view of reading.
Potential Modifications To The Simple View Of Reading
As our knowledge of reading comprehension continues to evolve, researchers have proposed potential modifications to the simple view of reading framework. These modifications aim to incorporate the new findings and address the limitations of the original model.
One potential modification focuses on the role of reading fluency within the simple view framework. While the model initially emphasized the importance of word recognition and linguistic comprehension, recent research has highlighted the significant impact of reading fluency on overall reading comprehension. Therefore, researchers suggest that fluency should be considered as a separate component or as an integral part of word recognition within the simple view framework.
Another possible modification concerns the inclusion of higher-order cognitive processes in the simple view of reading. While the original model primarily focused on word-level skills and linguistic comprehension, research suggests that strategic processes, such as inference-making and critical thinking, play a vital role in reading comprehension. These higher-order processes may mediate the relationship between word recognition and linguistic comprehension, leading to a more nuanced understanding of reading.
Additionally, researchers have proposed exploring the relationship between reading motivation and the simple view of reading. While the original model did not explicitly address motivational factors, emerging research suggests that students’ motivation and engagement significantly impact their reading success. Embedding motivational factors within the framework may provide a more holistic understanding of reading outcomes.
In conclusion, current research in reading science is paving the way for potential modifications to the simple view of reading. Advancements in this field, combined with new insights into the cognitive and contextual factors influencing reading comprehension, offer exciting opportunities for refining and expanding this foundational framework.

Credit: en.wikipedia.org
Frequently Asked Questions For Who Developed The Simple View Of Reading?
What Is The Simple View Of Reading Approach?
The Simple View of Reading approach emphasizes the importance of decoding and comprehension in reading. It states that reading can be understood by focusing on two key factors: word recognition and language comprehension. This balanced approach helps to develop effective reading skills in individuals.
What Is The Simple View Of Reading Source?
The Simple View of Reading source is a theoretical framework that explains reading comprehension. It emphasizes the role of decoding and language comprehension in reading. This model is widely used in educational research.
What Is Vygotsky’s Theory Of Reading?
Vygotsky’s theory of reading emphasizes the importance of social interaction in learning to read. According to Vygotsky, children learn through collaboration with more skilled individuals, such as teachers or peers. This theory suggests that reading development is influenced by cultural and social factors.
Conclusion
The Simple View of Reading, a model that has greatly influenced the field of literacy research, was developed by Gough and Tunmer in 1986. Their groundbreaking work emphasized the essential components of reading comprehension: decoding and language comprehension. This model continues to shape our understanding of how we teach and assess reading skills today.
Understanding the origins of this model can help inform current practices in literacy education, leading to more effective strategies for improving reading outcomes for all learners.