Readability and Basic Course Hybrid Textbooks in Human Communication: A Disparity of Reading Difficulty

Abstract

Research centered exclusively on textbooks for the basic course in human communication has been relatively sparse. This analysis provides valuable information to academics who select textbooks that employ a hybrid approach to the study of human communication. Readability levels of 17 different nationally published textbooks, based on Fry's (1977) readability formula, are reported. Results indicate that readability among texts varies as much as five grade levels and that some books may be inappropriate selections for students at certain institutions. Limitations of this report and future directions for research on the basic course are also discussed.

Keywords:

• Basic Course
• Hybrid Approach
• Readability
• Textbooks

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David E. Schneider

David E. Schneider (PhD, Bowling Green State University, 1987) is a professor in the Department of Communication at Saginaw Valley State University.

Melissa Walter-Reed

Melissa Walter-Reed (BA, Saginaw Valley State University, 2006) is the Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Center in Bellevue, WA.