We change our reading strategies (processes) depending on why we're reading.
If we are reading an instruction manual, we usually read one step at a time and
then try to do whatever the instructions tell us. If we are reading a novel, we don't
tend to read for informative details. If we a reading a biology textbook, we read for
understanding both of concepts and details (particularly if we expected to be tested
over our comprehension of the material.)
Our goals for reading will affect the way we read a text. Not only do we read for
the intended message, but we also construct a meaning that is valuable in terms of
our purpose for reading the text.
Strategic reading also allows us to speed up or slow down, depending on our goals
for reading (e.g. scanning newspaper headlines v. Carefully perusing a feature story).
Back to Cognitive Reading Theory