Cognitive Network Models In Reading Comprehension

Reading plays an important role in our information era for it serves as a frequently-used way to exchange information. How to read effectively to get information becomes greatly important.This dissertation aims at finding out some possible solutions to the reading problems occurring to our English learners. It is started in the light of the inspiration got from neurocognitive linguistics, in which it is argued that the structure and operation of human brain nervous system share great similarities with those of our language systems. Language can be thought of as a cognitive network in which processing involves spreading activation across the network.Hence, some theoretical insights got from neurocognitive linguistics, cognitive psychology, psychology of reading and psychology of language have been applied here to help seeking solutions. Some cognitive network models, such as hierarchical network models and spreading activation models which are at the lexical level and propositional network models which are at the discourse level, have been illustrated to give theoretical supports. Three reading strategies: application of word formation for word guessing, spotting triggering words to facilitate reading and using context to help accurate understanding, are forwarded as implications obtained from the theories. A test was held to verify the effects of these three strategies on college students. It is concluded with suggestions for English teachers to attach importance to giving students constructive instructions about how to use certain reading strategies effectively.The structure of the dissertation is like follows: there are three chapters in it. Chapter One gives a general introduction of some basic concepts about reading and cognition, including the discussion about definitions of reading, the purpose of reading and the nature of reading. Some cognitive strategies are also included. What's more, the related fields to cognitive studies of reading have been mentioned as well. Chapter Two is about the exploration of certain cognitive network models. After that, somereading strategies are raised, which are based upon the theoretical analysis above. Chapter Three introduces a research that aims at checking the effects of these strategies. The results show that these strategies are helpful for our English teaching and learning. Finally, English teachers are advised to combine theoretical insights and practical tools for the facilitating of reading teaching and give constructive instructions to students to enhance their awareness of using reading strategies.