Speed of reading in an adult population under differential conditions

Abstract

420 adults read 2 pairs of passages and unknown to them each reading time was recorded. After reading the 1st pair of passages, readers were asked to answer a comprehension question. Irrespective of the difficulty level of the passages, reading times for the pair of passages following the comprehension question were significantly longer than for that preceding it. Substantial positive correlations were found between 1st- and 2nd-pair reading times for both individuals and for passages. Slow readers showed greater increases in reading time for more difficult materials than did fast readers. Evidence of the dubious value of words per minute as a measure of reading speed is presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)