The Suitability of Encylopedias for Social Studies Reference Use in the Intermediate Grades
Mary H. Dohrman · The Journal of Educational Research · 1974
Educational Consultant, Black Hawk and Buchanan Counties, Cedar Falls, IA This study evaluates the readability of eight "best quality" encyclopedias that intermediate grade students encounter in their social studies. It compares the span of reading levels anticipated for grades 4, 5, and 6 with the readability scores derived from applying both the Dale-Chall formula and the Fry readability graph to seventy Five representative social studies topics in each encylopedia. The results of the study present evidence that seriously questions the suitability of these encyclopedias for reference use by a majority of the students in the intermediate grades.