What factor influences reading comprehension according to the RAND reading study?

The factor that influences reading comprehension according to the RAND reading study is the reader, text, and task. This perspective highlights that effective reading comprehension is not solely dependent on one element; rather, it emerges from the interaction between the characteristics of the reader (including background knowledge, motivation, and cognitive skills), the text itself (which encompasses factors like vocabulary, complexity, and genre), and the specific task or purpose of reading. This holistic view is important because it recognizes that understanding is a dynamic process influenced by various components rather than a single factor. By considering all three aspects, educators can better support students in developing comprehensive reading skills, taking into account their individual needs, the nature of the texts they encounter, and the goals of their reading activities.