#  Estimating causal effects on psychological networks using item response theory 

 



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 **Date:** 11/04/2025 

 

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This research brief from CEPR's READS Lab reports on a study examining how the **Model of Reading Engagement (MORE)** curriculum improves students’ understanding of word relationships through vocabulary network instruction. MORE teaches vocabulary using concept maps that connect related ideas, rather than rote memorization. The study, conducted in 30 schools, found that while students across all classrooms learned similar word lists, those in MORE classrooms developed significantly stronger connections between words—linking both taught and untaught vocabulary. These dense, interconnected word networks are a key mechanism by which MORE strengthens reading comprehension and supports lasting learning.

*Read more about the READS Lab at* [*readslab.org/research*](https://readslab.org/research)*.*



 

 

 See also:- [ Data Analyst ](/audience/data-analyst)
- [ Researcher ](/audience/researcher)
- [ School/District Leader ](/audience/schooldistrict-leader)
- [ Reading Instruction ](/focus-areas/reading-instruction)
- [ MORE (Model of Reading Engagement)/READS Lab ](/projects/more-model-reading-engagement)
- [ Research and Reports ](/resource-type/research-report)
- [ 2025 ](/year/2025)
- [ K12 ](/sector/k12)