TITLE:
Lay Knowledge of Dyslexia
AUTHORS:
Adrian Furnham
KEYWORDS:
Lay Beliefs; Myths; Knowledge; Understanding; Dyslexia
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.4 No.12,
December
10,
2013
ABSTRACT: This study looks at the extent to which lay
people believe many myths associated with dyslexia. It examined attitudes and
beliefs about the causes, manifestations and treatments for dyslexia in a
British population sample. A community sample of 380 participants (158 Male;
212 Female) completed a 62-item questionnaire on their attitudes to, and
beliefs about, dyslexia. The statements were derived from various “dyslexia
facts and myths” websites set up to help people understand dyslexia; academic
research papers; and in-depth exploratory interviews with non-specialist people
regarding their understanding of dyslexia. Item analysis showed participants
were poorly informed about many aspects of dyslexia. Factor analysis returned a
structure of latent attitudes in five factors (Characteristics, Biological and
Social Causes, Treatment and Prevention). Regression analysis revealed that
participant political orientation and education (formal and informal acquaintances with dyslexia sufferers) were the best predictors of attitudes
concerning the behavioural manifestations, aetiology and treatments of dyslexia.
Limitations and implications of this research were considered.