A critical note on reading

(1) An average correlation of about .40 is generally reported for reading speed and comprehension, but speed is implicated in the latter. The correlation between level-of-comprehension (as against speed-of-comprehension) and reading speed is .17. The real problem is the relationship between reading speed and amount learned, and these two measures have been found virtually unrelated. (2) 8-10 fixations per line in the reading of the average mature individual is more nearly correct than the customary report of 5-6. This smaller figure was obtained on short lines and easy material rather than typical adult reading material.