What characterizes bottom-up processing in reading?

Bottom-up processing in reading is characterized by starting with isolated concepts and then combining them to form an understanding of the text as a whole. This approach emphasizes the details of the individual elements, such as letters, words, and sentences, before synthesizing them into a complete understanding of the larger text.

In essence, bottom-up processing begins with the raw data encountered during reading—like phonetics and vocabulary—leading to sentence construction and ultimately comprehension of paragraphs and entire texts. This method is particularly significant in early literacy development, where readers learn to decode words and recognize basic linguistic structures before they can grasp broader ideas or themes.

By contrast, approaches that focus on major ideas or contextual understanding begin with a holistic view, which is characteristic of top-down processing. Graphic organizers may assist in visual learning and comprehension, but they do not directly define the bottom-up approach. Thus, the focus on isolating concepts initially and then integrating them showcases the fundamental nature of bottom-up processing in reading.