Communication studies notes
The three levels of comprehension, or sophistication of thinking, are presented in the following hierarchy from the least to the most sophisticated level of reading.
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Least = surface, simple reading
Most = in-depth, complex reading
Level One
LITERAL - what is actually stated.
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Facts and details
Rote learning and memorization
Surface understanding only
TESTS in this category are objective tests dealing with true / false, multiple choice and fill-in-the blank questions.
Common questions used to illicit this type of thinking are who, what, when, and where questions.
Level Two
INTERPRETIVE - what is implied or meant, rather than what is actually stated.
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Drawing inferences
Tapping into prior knowledge / experience
Attaching new learning to old information
Making logical leaps and educated guesses
Reading between the lines to determine what is meant by what is stated.
TESTS in this category are subjective, and the types of questions asked are openended, thought-provoking questions like why, what if, and how.
Level Three
APPLIED - taking what was said (literal) and then what was meant by what was said
(interpretive) and then extend (apply) the concepts or ideas beyond the situation.
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Analyzing
Synthesizing
Applying
In this level we are analyzing or synthesizing information and applying it to other information. Five Thinking Strategies of Good Readers
1. Predict: Make educated guesses. Good readers make predictions about thoughts, events, outcomes, and conclusions. As you read, your predictions are confirmed or denied. If they prove invalid, you make new predictions. This constant process helps you become involved with the author's thinking and helps you learn.
2. Picture: Form images. For good readers, the words and the ideas on the page trigger mental images that relate directly or indirectly to the material. Images are like movies in your head, and they increase your
•
•
Least = surface, simple reading
Most = in-depth, complex reading
Level One
LITERAL - what is actually stated.
•
•
•
Facts and details
Rote learning and memorization
Surface understanding only
TESTS in this category are objective tests dealing with true / false, multiple choice and fill-in-the blank questions.
Common questions used to illicit this type of thinking are who, what, when, and where questions.
Level Two
INTERPRETIVE - what is implied or meant, rather than what is actually stated.
•
•
•
•
•
Drawing inferences
Tapping into prior knowledge / experience
Attaching new learning to old information
Making logical leaps and educated guesses
Reading between the lines to determine what is meant by what is stated.
TESTS in this category are subjective, and the types of questions asked are openended, thought-provoking questions like why, what if, and how.
Level Three
APPLIED - taking what was said (literal) and then what was meant by what was said
(interpretive) and then extend (apply) the concepts or ideas beyond the situation.
•
•
•
Analyzing
Synthesizing
Applying
In this level we are analyzing or synthesizing information and applying it to other information. Five Thinking Strategies of Good Readers
1. Predict: Make educated guesses. Good readers make predictions about thoughts, events, outcomes, and conclusions. As you read, your predictions are confirmed or denied. If they prove invalid, you make new predictions. This constant process helps you become involved with the author's thinking and helps you learn.
2. Picture: Form images. For good readers, the words and the ideas on the page trigger mental images that relate directly or indirectly to the material. Images are like movies in your head, and they increase your