From ERIC 'Source DocumentJ to Abstracts: A Problem in Readability*,
Cerald T. owitz, Gladys B. Dronberger, William H. Craves · 2007
ABSTRACT The use of readability principles in the ERIC , guid6lines for abstracting suggests that abstracts should be more readable than source documents. However, information theory suggests that the compression of information wou abstracts. Abstracts and their source d randomly from each of four clearinghous Sample size was determined by a calcula formula was used to calculate readabil analysis of variance indicated that ab source documents but their mean grade within the expected reading ability level of users of the ERIC system. '(Autl,or) d result in less readable cuments were selected s also selected randomly. Ion of power. The Flesch RE ty score. Results of an ;tracts were less readable than evels of 11.7 to 12.7 were