Readability, interest, and coverage of ten introductory textbooks on mental retardation

Ten introductory textbooks on mental retardation were analyzed with the Flesch formula for reading ease and interest. Reading level of all texts was in the "difficult, college level" category. Seven books were classified as "dull", 3 as "mildly interesting." Coverage on 26 topics and availability of teaching aids were also analyzed and charted. Good agreement was found in the topics treated by the various authors. Most books examined contained adequate organizational aids. An instructor's manual was the only widely available teaching aid.