Reviews the factors to be considered in evaluating abstracts. Types of abstracts, content, length, writing style, comprehensive criteria for abstracts, readability, readability testing, compatibility with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards, and informativeness are among the topics covered. (12 references) (KRN)

The usefulness of a readability formula as a technique for evaluating the reading levels of abstracts was investigated using the abstracts published in "Research in Education." (Author/PF)

Twenty short versions of articles from Engineering Synopses and the corresponding original articles were compared for ease of reading. The synopses were found to be significantly more difficult to read. (Author/MBR)

Readability levels of 30 items from Child Development Abstracts and 30 passages from their corresponding journal articles were compared by a CAL SNOBOL computer program referenced to a cloze criterion. Results supported the hypothesis that abstracts were more difficult to read than their source documents. (Author)

Describes a study that examined the readability of papers "College and Research Libraries" accepted, rejected, and published for 1990 and 1991. Results showing a statistically significant difference for the text of papers but not for abstracts are reported, and topics for further research are suggested. (Contains six references.) (EAM)

The use of readability principles in the ERIC guidelines for abstracting suggests that abstracts should be more readable than source documents. However, information theory suggests that the compression of information would result in less readable abstracts. Abstracts and their source documents were selected randomly from each of four…

A good book review, based on E. G. Boring's recommendations, should include an abstract, criticism, and orientation of the book. Also, reviews of introductory psychology textbooks should include readability, human interests, evaluation of illustrations, and appropriate student audience. (ND)

Investigates the feasibility of using sub-headings similar to those found in structured abstracts to facilitate the writing and reading of scientific papers. Claims the use of sub-headings: (1) forces the writer to make sure no issue is forgotten; and (2) enables the reader to search for and find information more easily. (NH)

Discusses how an experienced educator's Web site recommendations can help learners use the World Wide Web in ways bookmarks alone cannot. Highlights include browser-based and page-based annotations; examples; useful information to include (title or topic, operating instructions, description, special site features, cautions, and helpful…

Compares three online databases designed for elementary school use for searching periodicals. Highlights include limiting the ability to surf the Web; print capabilities; available resources included in the database, including full text versus abstracts; user-support materials; reading levels; and ease of interface use. (LRW)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 16 titles deal with the following topics: the effects of teacher-directed lessons on fourth and fifth grade students; self-concept and the comprehension of scientific reading; the readability of junior college textbooks; the…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 29 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: the relationship between readability of written material and reading competency of upper middle class adult readers, the economic benefits of adult basic education…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 29 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: various factors in terms of attitudes toward reading; the effect of group counseling on self-concept and reading achievement; the effect of three modes of…

This annotated bibliography presents a listing of technical reports (1976) dealing with personnel and training research conducted by the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, an institution charged with the planning and execution of United States Air Force exploratory and advanced development programs for selection, motivation, training,…