The Changing Readability of Introductory Political Science Textbooks: A Case Study of Burns and Peltason, Government by the People

In: PS: political science & politics, Band 36, Heft 2, S. 229-232

Abstract

A case study of the introductory American government text by James MacGregor Burns & Jack Walter Peltason, Government by the People, uses the Klesch-Kincaid Grade Level Index to determine readability levels. Sample passages from the 1957, 1966, 1969, 1972, 1990, & 1995 editions were examined, including those from the introductory chapter as well as chapters dealing with civil liberties & public opinion. Readability differences between the chapters on civil liberties & public opinion were anticipated due to the more difficult content of the material on civil liberties. It was found that the text's overall reading level has increased from a high 10th-grade level in 1957 to almost a 12th-grade level in 1995, which mirrors the readability difference between The New York Times & the Harry Potter books. The greatest changes were seen in the introductory & public opinion chapters, while the civil liberties material remained consistent at grade level 12 for the entire period. Limitations of the study are discussed & suggestions for additional research are offered. 3 Figures, 22 References. J. Lindroth