The Correlation Between Reading Habit and Vocabulary Mastery Across Gender

Abstract

English plays an important role in all level academic society, starting on primary to university level of study. Among four English skills, reading is the most contributing skill in mastering English that the students should have. Reading is habitual activity that builds students' character, intellect and literacy. Furthermore, reading also builds students’ vocabulary which enhance other skills. However, each individual has different habit in reading that depends on many factors. One significant factor that influence an individual’s reading habit is gender. In this case, the researcher interested in conducting study about the relationship between reading habit and vocabulary mastery across gender. This research implemented correlational research design with reading habit questionnaire and vocabulary mastery test via Google Form. The data collected using random sampling on the third semester students of English department at University of Islam Malang. The data analysed using bivariate correlation and independent sample t test in SPSS to find significant difference of male and female reading habit as well as the correlation between students’ vocabulary mastery and reading habit. The result of the study indicates no significant differences between male and female students in all aspects of reading habit such as reading activities, enjoyment and anxiety. This study also reveals that the correlation between vocabulary mastery and gender are positively significant but low correlation level. For the future research it is suggested to study more on how reading habits can improve vocabulary from more specific aspects such as preference, frequency of reading and age. Keywords: Correlation, Listening, Vocabulary Mastery, Gender