Is the readability of abstracts decreasing in management research?
Graf-Vlachy L (2022)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2022
Journal
Book Volume: 16
Pages Range: 1063-1084
Journal Issue: 4
DOI: 10.1007/s11846-021-00468-7
Abstract
The readability of scientific texts is critical for the successful distribution of research findings. I replicate a recent study which found that the abstracts of scientific articles in the life sciences became less readable over time. Specifically, I sample 28,345 abstracts from 17 of the leading journals in the field of management and organization over 3 decades, and study two established indicators of readability over time, namely the Flesch Reading Ease and the New Dale–Chall Readability Formula. I find a modest trend towards less readable abstracts, which leads to an increase in articles that are extremely hard to read from 12% in the first decade of the sample to 16% in the final decade of the sample. I further find that an increasing number of authors partially explains this trend, as do the use of scientific jargon and corresponding author affiliations with institutions in English-speaking countries. I discuss implications for authors, reviewers, and editors in the field of management.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Graf-Vlachy, L. (2022). Is the readability of abstracts decreasing in management research? Review of Managerial Science, 16(4), 1063-1084. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-021-00468-7
MLA:
Graf-Vlachy, Lorenz. "Is the readability of abstracts decreasing in management research?" Review of Managerial Science 16.4 (2022): 1063-1084.
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