FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

Which reading theory emphasizes the reader's experience with a text?

1. Reader response

2. Structuralism

3. Behaviorism

4. New Criticism

The correct answer is: Reader response

The emphasis on the reader's experience with a text is a fundamental aspect of reader response theory. This approach argues that the meaning of a text is not fixed or inherent within the text itself, but rather created through the interaction between the reader and the text. Readers bring their personal experiences, emotions, and interpretations to a reading, which can significantly influence their understanding and engagement with the material. This theory fosters an active role for the reader, as they are seen as co-creators of meaning rather than passive recipients. The focus is on how individual interpretations can vary based on personal backgrounds and contexts, allowing for a diverse range of responses to the same text. In contrast, the other theories, such as structuralism, behaviorism, and New Criticism, prioritize different elements. Structuralism examines the underlying structures within a text and how they relate to the larger systems of language and culture; behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal experiences; and New Criticism looks at the text itself as an independent entity, ignoring the reader's personal context and response. This distinction highlights why reader response theory uniquely centers on the reader's experience.