Abstract
The comparative readability of ten introductory COBOL textbooks is analyzed. A program to derive the Flesch Reading Ease Index is used as the measure of text readability. This formula estimates readability based upon sentence length (number of words) and word length (number of syllables). Thirty text samples of approx. 100 words each are systematically selected from each textbook. Results showed all textbooks to be categorized as “difficult” or “fairly difficult” reading. Mean reading grade levels ranged from grade 11.0 to 13.9. The COBOL text by Van Tassel was found to have the highest readability index while Shelly and Cashman's had the lowest. This study shows the feasibility of using readability indexes for introductory COBOL textbooks and provides readability measures for them. These results can be used by teachers in the selection process and publishers in focusing on important dimensions of readability
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
