The Contribution of Cognitive Variables for Reading and Writing in Brazilian Portuguese

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the independent contribution of phonological processing (phonological awareness and phonological working memory), rapid naming and morphological awareness to reading and writing skills in Brazilian Portuguese. Ninety-four third-graders of three private Brazilian schools took part in this study. Hierarchical regression analyses were carried out on measures of reading (accuracy and fluency) and writing skills controlling for age and intelligence. The results showed an independent contribution of phonological processing, rapid naming and morphological awareness for writing skill. However, the results for measures of reading accuracy and reading fluency indicated that only phonological processing and rapid naming made independent contributions for such skills.