What role does prior knowledge play in reading comprehension?

Prior knowledge plays a significant role in reading comprehension by enhancing the ability to understand new information. When readers encounter a text, they draw on their existing knowledge and experiences to make sense of the material. This background knowledge allows them to make connections between what they already know and the new concepts presented in the reading, facilitating deeper comprehension and retention of the information.

For instance, when reading a historical text, a reader with prior knowledge about the time period can better grasp the context, significance, and implications of the information. This engagement with the text is often referred to as making "text-to-self," "text-to-text," or "text-to-world" connections, which enriches the reading experience and fosters a more robust understanding.

In contrast, if readers lack relevant prior knowledge, they may struggle to comprehend the text effectively, as they cannot relate to or contextualize the new information being presented. Therefore, prior knowledge is crucial in transforming a reader's ability to assimilate and interpret the content, leading to improved comprehension outcomes.