What term describes the process of connecting prior knowledge with new information while reading?

The process of connecting prior knowledge with new information while reading is referred to as schema. A schema represents the mental framework that individuals use to organize and interpret information based on their previous experiences and knowledge. When readers encounter new information, they access relevant schemas to help make sense of it, thus enhancing comprehension. This integration allows them to relate new concepts to what they already know, facilitating deeper understanding and retention of material.

While other terms listed are related to reading comprehension, they do not specifically pertain to the process of linking prior knowledge with new information. Inference involves drawing conclusions based on evidence within the text, synthesis requires combining different pieces of information to form a coherent understanding, and analysis involves breaking down text into parts to examine structure and meaning. In contrast, schema directly addresses how individuals utilize their existing knowledge to interpret and integrate new information while reading.