Who led the development of the Top-Down Theory of reading?

The Top-Down Theory of reading emphasizes the role of the reader's prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations in the process of interpreting text. Ken Goodman and Frank Smith were key figures in its development, advocating that reading is not merely a decoding of words but rather a complex interaction between text and the reader's background knowledge and cognitive processes. This theory posits that readers use context and their understanding of language to make predictions about the text, which facilitates comprehension even when they encounter unfamiliar words or structures. Their research highlighted the importance of holistic reading strategies, making it significant in understanding how readers approach and engage with written material.