Propositional Density and Readability: A CPIDR (Computerized Propositional Idea Density Rater) in the Web of Text Difficulty

• In Event: Knowledge, Strategies, Instruction, and Assessment

Abstract

Measuring comprehensibility remains an untreatable problem in readability research. With the invention of Computerized Propositional Idea Density Rater (CPIDR), an automated and highly reliable way to determine propositional density is available. Yet, differences between proposition density ratios (PDR) and simple readability formulae remain unclear. We asked, “How does a passage of text measured by CPIDR compare with standard readability measures? Passages from the QRI-5 were typed into CPIDR and a readability website. Results showed a moderate correlation between readability formulae and PDR for the narrative, a strong correlation between PDR and readability formulae for the content specific, and weak correlation between PDR and readability formulae for expository. Linear regression analysis was also used to predict PDR from the readability formulae.

Authors

• Stephanie Maria Bennett, Mississippi State University

• Patriann Smith, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• James R. King, University of South Florida

• Robert F. Dedrick, University of South Florida