Which theory describes two distinct processes involved in reading words?

The Dual Route Theory is the correct choice as it effectively describes two separate processes that underlie word reading. This theory suggests that there are two pathways for reading: the direct route and the indirect route. The direct route allows a reader to recognize familiar words instantly as whole units, typically through a sight word recognition method. This is particularly useful for quickly processing frequently encountered words.

On the other hand, the indirect route involves decoding the words by sounding them out, which is especially relevant for unfamiliar or complex words. This process relies on phonetic awareness and grapheme-phoneme correspondences, allowing readers to build up from the individual sounds to the full word.

Together, these two processes encapsulate the various strategies individuals may use when confronting different words in text, facilitating a versatile approach to reading that can adapt to the reader's experiences with language and text.

The other choices available are various instructional approaches to reading but do not specifically refer to distinct cognitive processes involved in word recognition as Dual Route Theory does. Analytic Phonics focuses on teaching students to analyze letter-sound relationships in previously learned words. The Whole Language Approach emphasizes learning to read through exposure to complete texts and the overall meaning of language rather than phonics. Phonics through Spelling