Logical versus Empirical Readability and Human Interest Scores for Introductory Texts Published between 1977 and 1988

Abstract

Two studies, on using 58 and other 59 general psychology textbooks published between 1977 and 1988, compared readability and human interest scores computed two ways. Correlations indicated that Flesch's (logical) scores were not comparable to students' (empirical) ratings. Students were generally consistent in performing the task, although the method for selecting paragraphs, either randomly (Study 1) or on the basis of uniform content and length (Study 2), did not provide dependable information about the overall readability and human interest levels of the books as calculated by Flesch's procedures.