Based on findings of a study analyzing microcomputer literature using the Flesch procedures, the author recommends that readability formulas not be used in assessing such instructional materials. (SK)

Library user guides from seven large academic libraries were examined for readability using microcomputer software for analysis. Results indicated that most guides are written at or above a reading level of grade 12. Appendices summarize readability formulas and depict in a composite graph the levels of all of the guides examined. (16 references)…

Computer programs were used to analyze the readability of 61 textbooks used in secondary trade and industrial education. The formulas proved relatively equal in identifying difficulty levels. High human interest scores seemed to correlate with lower-level texts. (SK)

Explores the use of microcomputers in readability calculation. (DF)

Discussion of the notion of readability focuses on predicting readability with computerized readability formulas. Semantic and syntactic factors are discussed, the development of readability formulas is described, and five commercially available computer readability formulas are reviewed, including the Readability Estimator, Readability Formulas,…

Argues that, while computers make the computation of readability formulas easy, teachers should not forget the need to apply judgment and common sense to the results. Discusses RIXRATE, a computerized version of the Rix index and compares its performance to that of the Rauding Scale. (FL)

Discusses history of the development of computer software to determine material readability and general design of readability software. Tables present summaries of: (1) parameters used by selected readability scales and their grade level applications; and (2) microcomputer software programs available, including readability techniques included in…